bench press

¹

noun

1. a weightlifting exercise in which one lies supine on a bench and with both hands pushes a barbell or fixed weight upward from chest level to arm's length and then lowers it back to chest level: usually repeated in sets.
2. one complete repetition of this exercise.
3. this exercise as an event in weightlifting competition.

bench-press

²

[ bench-pres ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to perform a bench press with (a weight):

   He is small but can bench-press more than 400 pounds.

bench press

noun

1. a weight-training exercise in which a person lies on a bench and pushes a barbell upwards with both hands from chest level until the arms are straight, then lowers it again

verb

1. intr to carry out one or more bench presses

Word History and Origins

Origin of bench press¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

His peak sprint speed, external and bench press results, external are up on what he was clocking before the injury.

From BBC

The equipment can range from basic pull-up bars to gym-style bench presses and rowing machines.

From Seattle Times

The drills - including bench press, vertical jump and timed 40-yard sprint - are designed to test an individual's athleticism, strength and ball skills.

From BBC

But he had 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press to rank second, accomplishing a goal he had set of “wanting to show my strength in the bench press.’

From Seattle Times

But the GR Corolla is what results when the standard model has been in the gym, setting personal bests in the deadlift and bench press.

From Seattle Times