parallel bars

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) a gymnasium apparatus consisting of two wooden bars on uprights, adjustable in height, and used for swinging, vaulting, balancing exercises, etc.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb) a competitive event for men on such an apparatus.

---

parallel bars British  

plural noun

1. gymnastics

   1. (functioning as plural) a pair of wooden bars on uprights, sometimes at different heights, for various exercises

   2. (functioning as singular) an event in a gymnastic competition in which competitors exercise on such bars

---

Etymology

Origin of parallel bars

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

parallel bars

Lukas Dauser of Germany took gold in the men’s parallel bars with a huge 15.400, finishing ahead of China’s Shi Cong and Kaito Sugimoto of Japan.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 8, 2023

Zou Jingyuan of China picked up gold in the men’s parallel bars.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 29, 2023

Following his performance on the vault, Jarman, who has already won an all-around silver and team bronze in Turkey, placed eighth in the final of the men's parallel bars.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2023

Along with the ban, Kuliak must return the bronze medal he won in parallel bars, the International Gymnastics Federation said.

From Seattle Times ● May 18, 2022

I imitated those who squealed with excitement as they hung from two parallel bars I could not reach.

From "Tasting the Sky" by Ibtisam Barakat