What does bodybuilder mean?
A bodybuilder is a person who engages in systematic resistance training with the goal of developing an exceptionally muscular and well-defined physique, often in preparation for judged competitions where muscle size, symmetry, and conditioning are assessed. The term emerged prominently in the mid-twentieth century as bodybuilding developed from earlier strongman traditions into a distinct sport and subculture, popularized by figures such as Charles Atlas and later Arnold Schwarzenegger. While the word applies broadly to anyone pursuing serious muscle development through weight training, it most commonly refers to competitive athletes who follow rigorous training regimens, carefully controlled diets, and structured contest preparation. The adjective 'natural' distinguishes drug-free practitioners within the community. Though generally neutral, the word can carry connotations of extreme or obsessive physical training, and it is sometimes used more loosely to describe anyone who spends considerable time lifting weights at a gym.
nounA person who engages in intensive weight training and bodybuilding, typically with the aim of developing a highly muscular physique, often for competition.
- A person who trains intensively with weights to develop a muscular physique, especially one who competes in bodybuilding contests.
"The bodybuilder trained for six months before stepping onto the national championship stage."
"She became a competitive bodybuilder after years of dedicated training."
"As a natural bodybuilder, he refused to use performance-enhancing substances."
Standard regular plural; used when referring to multiple individuals engaged in bodybuilding.
"Dozens of bodybuilders gathered backstage ahead of the regional championship."
The word 'bodybuilder' only entered common English in the mid-20th century — before that, people who built muscle were simply called 'strongmen'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bodybuilder
The word 'bodybuilder' is a compound of 'body', from Old English 'bodig', and 'builder', from the agent noun of 'build', which entered Middle English from Old French 'bouiller' meaning to construct. The compound itself arose in the late nineteenth century alongside the organized practice of physique training, gaining widespread currency in the twentieth century as bodybuilding became formalized as a sport. Related forms include 'bodybuilding', the activity itself, and 'builder', its simpler cognate.
Related word forms
How bodybuilder is actually used
The term is neutral in register but often carries connotations of extreme muscularity; 'natural bodybuilder' specifically denotes someone who avoids performance-enhancing drugs. It should not be confused with powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting athletes, whose sports are strength-based rather than aesthetic.
Easily confused with bodybuilder
A weightlifter competes in the sport of lifting maximum weight in specific lifts (such as the snatch and clean and jerk), whereas a bodybuilder trains primarily to develop muscle size and symmetry for judged aesthetic display.