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 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.
Joseph Baena's grand debut on the bodybuilding circuit just got grander. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026 On Saturday, April 4, the 28-year-old son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mildred Patricia Baena achieved a win in a second bodybuilding federation. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026 Joseph Baena's professional bodybuilding career is off to a swinging start. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 Known for his muscular build and hulk-like roles in Hollywood as much as his political record, perhaps even more so, Schwarzenegger is an icon in the bodybuilding universe. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 30 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bodybuilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodybuilding. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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

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