noun
dumbbell
DUHM-behl
Dumbbell (noun) means a short handheld weight used for strength training, with a load on each end. Example: “She warmed up with a set of light dumbbell curls.”
noun
1
A short handheld weight used for strength training, with a load on each end.
"He was exercising with the dumbbells in gym class today."
"Her eternal quest was for self-improvement, underscored also by the dumbbells she hoisted well before Jane Fonda made it fashionable."
— Alexandra Jacobs, How Marilyn Monroe Gave a Smart Gloss to Her Image (2026)
"She warmed up with a set of light dumbbell curls."
2
(informal) A stupid person.
"Don't be such a dumbbell — read the instructions first."
"That's fool's gold, you dumbbell. Iron pyrite. Nobody would give you a dime for a ton of it."
— Floyd Merrell, Enigmas: Gold Fever (2015)
How to use dumbbell
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly the gym weight held in each hand; also old-fashioned slang for a dim-witted person.
Common pairings
a pair of dumbbells
dumbbell curl
dumbbell press
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Word forms
- Plural
- dumbbells
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She warmed up with a set of light _____ curls.
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 joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “dumbbell” mean?
The word “dumbbell” means a short handheld weight used for strength training, with a load on each end. In plain terms, mainly the gym weight held in each hand; also old-fashioned slang for a dim-witted person.
How do you pronounce “dumbbell”?
“Dumbbell” is pronounced DUHM-behl (/ˈdʌm.bɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “dumbbell” in a sentence?
Here is “dumbbell” used in a sentence: “She warmed up with a set of light dumbbell curls.”
What part of speech is “dumbbell”?
“Dumbbell” is a noun.
Where does the word “dumbbell” come from?
The word “dumbbell” dates back to around 1500.
How many meanings does “dumbbell” have?
“Dumbbell” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short handheld weight used for strength training, with a load on each end.
