bodybuilder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts related to fitness and sport.
Quick answer
What does “bodybuilder” mean?
A person who practices bodybuilding, engaging in rigorous exercise and dieting to develop their muscles to a high degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who practices bodybuilding, engaging in rigorous exercise and dieting to develop their muscles to a high degree.
Someone who systematically trains with weights and nutrition to sculpt and enlarge their musculature for athletic competition, personal aesthetics, or health. May also refer to a professional in the sport of competitive bodybuilding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Similar connotations. The term is strongly associated with the visual aesthetics of physique competition, weightlifting culture, and specific dietary regimes.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Use is proportional to the popularity of the fitness subculture.
Grammar
How to Use “bodybuilder” in a Sentence
[bodybuilder] + [verb: trains/competes/eats][determiner] + [adjective] + [bodybuilder][verb: become/work as] + [a] + [bodybuilder]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bodybuilder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'He's stopped just going to the gym; he's properly bodybuilding now.' (informal, rare as verb)
- 'She took up bodybuilding last year.' (gerund/noun form)
American English
- 'He's been bodybuilding for a decade.' (gerund/noun form)
- 'To achieve that look, you'd have to bodybuild full-time.' (infinitive, rare)
adjective
British English
- It's a bodybuilding competition.
- He follows a strict bodybuilding diet.
- bodybuilding supplements
American English
- She's deep into bodybuilding culture.
- a bodybuilding magazine
- bodybuilding regimen
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the fitness industry, supplement marketing, and gym management.
Academic
In sports science, physiology, or sociology papers studying subcultures.
Everyday
Discussing fitness, hobbies, or describing someone's appearance.
Technical
In sports coaching, nutrition planning, and competition rulebooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bodybuilder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bodybuilder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bodybuilder”
- Misspelling as 'body builder' (open compound) – standard is closed compound 'bodybuilder'.
- Using 'bodybuilder' to refer to anyone who lifts weights casually.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A weightlifter (or 'Olympic weightlifter') trains for maximum strength in specific competitive lifts (snatch, clean & jerk). A bodybuilder trains for the aesthetic appearance of their muscles, focusing on size, shape, and low body fat.
Yes. The term applies to all genders. There are dedicated competitive categories for women's bodybuilding, physique, and bikini divisions within the sport.
No. While steroid use is present in some competitive circuits, there are many 'natural' bodybuilders who compete in drug-tested federations. The core activity is structured training and nutrition.
A bodybuilder prioritizes muscle appearance. A strongman prioritizes extreme functional strength for events like lifting atlas stones, pulling trucks, and carrying heavy frames. Their physiques often reflect this different training focus.
A person who practices bodybuilding, engaging in rigorous exercise and dieting to develop their muscles to a high degree.
Bodybuilder is usually neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts related to fitness and sport. in register.
Bodybuilder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdiˌbɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdiˌbɪlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built like a bodybuilder”
- “To have a bodybuilder's physique.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word literally: a person who builds their body, specifically its muscles.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A BUILDING/SCULPTURE (to be constructed, shaped, and chiseled).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a bodybuilder's primary goal?