Definition of "bodybuilder"

Physique of powerful bodybuilder (below) is like piece of sculpture. Buffs strive for the well-rounded body, disdain the professional weightlifter, who merely develops a number of very specialized muscles.

December 1964, “Muscles are his business”, in Ebony, volume 20, number 2, page 148

Because it is necessary for a muscle to rest while it grows and because of the importance of balanced development, most competitive bodybuilders train on a split routine; they work certain parts of the body one day and rest those muscles the next while they work the others, alternating like that six days a week.

1974, Charles Gaines, George Butler, “chapter 2”, in Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding

In the competitions, bodybuilders go through "mandatories"—a set of mandatory poses—in the morning, where the judges compare the body parts of the builders.

1991, Samuel Wilson Fussell, “chapter 4”, in Muscle: Confessions of an Unlikely Bodybuilder

COACH BODYBUILDER wanted. Apply omnibus stables, Camberwell.

1881 June 10, “Situations Vacant”, in The Age, number 8212, Melbourne, Vic., front page, column 6

COACHMAKERS.—Wanted, three IMPROVERS to the bodymaking, all new work. Greenfield and Callaway, bodybuilders to the trade, Milson’s Steam Works, 121, Liverpool-street.

1881 December 12, “Professions, Trades, &c.”, in The Sydney Morning Herald, number 13,635, Sydney, N.S.W., page 12, column 2

WANTED, First-class Coachsmith and Bodybuilder.—Apply to M. Bohan, Wellington Coach Factory, Wellington.

1882 February 11, “Wanted”, in The Auckland Evening Star, volume XIII, number 3,591, Auckland, page , column 3

WANTED, a first-class Wheelwright and Bodybuilder; state where last employed. Apply to A. Gilmore, Tauranga.

1883 March 29, The Evening Post, volume XXV, number 73, Wellington, page , column 9

WANTED, BODYBUILDER to repair Cabs. 39 Turner-street. Redfern.

1890 October 23, The Sydney Morning Herald, number 16,406, Sydney, N.S.W., page 8, column 3

WANTED, a good Wheelwright and Bodybuilder: a constant job. Apply to M. Bohan, Wellington Coach Factory, Victoria-street.

1892 November 11, The Evening Post, volume XLIV, number 113, Wellington, page , column 9

BODYBUILDERS.—Ted., Redfern,—Go to shop where you met me with bicycle,—a chance.

1894 August 8, The Sydney Morning Herald, number 17,593, Sydney, N.S.W., page 10, column 6

WANTED, first-class BODYBUILDER. Apply W. Brett, Rozelle, Balmain.

1897 December 29, The Sydney Morning Herald, number 18,655, Sydney, N.S.W., page 10, column 5

BLACKSMITHS and bodybuilders. Fulton & Walker Co., 20th and Filbert.

1899 July 14, “Male Help Wanted”, in The Philadelphia Inquirer, volume 141, number 14, Philadelphia, Pa., page 10, column 1