How to pronounce barbell
Say it like BAR-bel. Barbell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce barbell. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAR
- bel
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Barbell pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- belGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of barbell
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAH-bel.
What does barbell mean?
- A wide steel bar with premeasured weights counterpoised at either end, with the central span open for the hands of the weightlifter.
- A piece of jewelry composed of a straight bar with a bead on each end, used as a piercing.
Where does barbell come from?
Blend of bar + dumbbell.
Questions about saying barbell
How do you pronounce barbell?
Say BAR-bel. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑrˌbɛl/. In British English it is /ˈbɑːˌbɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in barbell?
Barbell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR). Broken into parts: BAR · bel.
Is barbell pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbɑːˌbɛl/ (BAH-bel).