noun

bodybuilder

BOD-ee-bil-duh

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Bodybuilder (noun) means a person who trains with diet and exercise to develop a strikingly muscular physique, often for competition. Example: “The bodybuilder followed a strict diet before the competition.”

noun

A person who trains with diet and exercise to develop a strikingly muscular physique, often for competition.

"The bodybuilder followed a strict diet before the competition."

"She has trained as a bodybuilder for over a decade."

"Competitive bodybuilders often pose on stage to show off their muscle definition."

How to use bodybuilder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bodybuilder is someone who trains hard to grow big, defined muscles, often to compete.

When to use it

Bodybuilder is an ordinary, informal word used in everyday speech about fitness.

Memory tip

Picture the two halves of the word, body and builder, and the meaning becomes obvious.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

professional bodybuilder competitive bodybuilder amateur bodybuilder a bodybuilder's physique

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “bodybuilder” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ followed a strict diet before the competition.

Etymology

Bodybuilder is a straightforward compound of body and builder, put together to name someone who builds up their own body through training.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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musclebuilder

Rhymes for bodybuilder

wilder

See all rhymes for bodybuilder →

Frequently asked questions

What does a bodybuilder actually do to build muscle?

A bodybuilder combines resistance training with a controlled diet to increase and shape muscle size over time.

Is bodybuilder the same as weightlifter?

Not quite, a weightlifter focuses on lifting maximum weight, while a bodybuilder focuses on the size and appearance of the muscles themselves.

Can bodybuilder also mean someone who builds vehicle bodies?

That use exists but is rare, and the word almost always refers to someone who builds muscle through diet and exercise.

What is the meaning of bodybuilder?

"bodybuilder" (noun) means a person who trains with diet and exercise to develop a strikingly muscular physique, often for competition.