parallel bars

noun

(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.

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

Origin of parallel bars

First recorded in 1865–70

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for parallel bars

parallel bars

pl n

gymnastics

(functioning as plural)a pair of wooden bars on uprights, sometimes at different heights, for various exercises
(functioning as singular)an event in a gymnastic competition in which competitors exercise on such bars

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012