# dumbbell

/ˈdəmˌbɛɫ/ (US) · /dˈʌmbɛl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dumbbell
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a short bar with heavy ends that you lift to make your arms stronger. You hold one in each hand when you exercise.

For teachers: a short bar with a weight at each end, lifted with one hand for exercise or muscle training.

## Examples

- She lifts a small dumbbell every morning.
- He picks up two dumbbells and does ten slow curls before his run.
- The trainer adjusted the rack of dumbbells, selecting a heavier pair to challenge the athlete's endurance during the final circuit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.