dumbbell
The origin and history of dumbbell.
Etymology
Coined in 16th-century England for a device used to silently practice the motion of ringing a church bell — literally a "dumb" (silent) version of a bell-pull. The exercise weight later took the same name because of its similar shape and motion.
Class of 1500
dumbbell first entered the language around 1500. Other words from the same year:
See the full Class of 1500 →