heavy metal

noun

1
: a metal of high specific gravity
2
: energetic and highly amplified electronic rock music having a hard beat
Borrowing elements of everything from grunge to progressive rock, from gospel to heavy metal …—David Okamoto

Examples of heavy metal in a Sentence

He listens to heavy metal. lead, gold, and other heavy metals
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The filter significantly diminishes elements commonly found in water that can be damaging, like chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and more. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 Those risks include heavy metals in water, dangerous gases, and toxic aerosols. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Be careful of heavy metals in collagen supplements and try to get these nutrients from whole foods. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026 The Black Sabbath frontman died at 76, just weeks after performing his final concert with the legendary heavy metal band. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heavy metal

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy metal was in 1864

Rhymes for heavy metal

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Browse Nearby Words

heavy man
heavy metal
heavy mineral
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Cite this Entry

“Heavy metal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20metal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heavy metal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heavy metal

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