bodybuilding

noun

body·​build·​ing ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
Synonyms of bodybuildingnext
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
specifically : the developing of the physique for competitive exhibition
bodybuilder
ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-dər How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
noun

Examples of bodybuilding in a Sentence

She's been doing competitive bodybuilding for a few years now.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first episode of Gigantic Fantastic, his radio series about the bodybuilding world, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on November 16. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026 Expect tapering protocols, post-cycle therapy and fertility-preservation drugs to move from bodybuilding forums into mainstream primary care over the next 12 to 24 months. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 His collection also included hundreds of photographs by bodybuilding photographer Artie Zeller, who documented Schwarzenegger from the beginning of his American career. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 The former is a fitness, wellness and personal training company and the latter is a production company for a bodybuilding contest called the National Physique Committee Phoenix Natural Noble Warrior competition. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bodybuilding

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodybuilding was in 1884

Rhymes for bodybuilding

See All Rhymes for bodybuilding

Browse Nearby Words

body Brussels
bodybuilding
body camera
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Cite this Entry

“Bodybuilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodybuilding. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bodybuilding

noun
body·​build·​ing ˈbäd-ē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
bodybuilder
-ˌbil-dər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bodybuilding

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bodybuilding

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bodybuilding

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