bench press

¹ American  

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.

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bench-press ² American  

[bench-pres] / ˈbɛntʃˌprɛs /

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.

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bench press British  

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

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verb

1. (intr) to carry out one or more bench presses

Etymology

Origin of bench press

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

At night, she returned to the bench press for a final round.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

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 • Mar. 20, 2024

Wilson, Stephens and Mejia were the strongest players on the bench press at 27, 26 and 25 reps, respectively.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2023

Farooq is staring back at me from beside the bench press.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali