Synonyms

bodybuilding

American

[bod-ee-bil-ding] / ˈbɒd iˌbɪl dɪŋ /

Or body-building,

noun

the act or practice of exercising, lifting weights, etc., so as to develop the muscles of the body.

Etymology

Origin of bodybuilding

1900–05; from the verb phrase build ( up one's ) body; see -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bodybuilding was so far out of my comfort zone, and I liked that there was a hard finish with a competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title seven times with the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, including his six-year streak from 1970 to 1975.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Bodybuilding helped her break free from the mental and social limitations that had been imposed on her for years, she says.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Bodybuilding was something I have been fascinated by since middle or high school.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2023

Bodybuilding is both a sport and an art form.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023