heavy metal
Americannoun
-
any metal with a specific gravity of 5.0 or greater, especially one that is toxic to organisms, as lead, mercury, copper, and cadmium.
-
aggressive and heavily amplified rock music, commonly performed by groups that wear spectacular or bizarre costumes.
noun
-
-
a type of rock music characterized by a strong beat and amplified instrumental effects, sometimes with violent, or nihilistic lyrics
-
( as modifier )
a heavy-metal band
-
-
a metal with a high specific gravity
-
military large guns or shot
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of heavy metal
1860–65, for literal sense
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She said certain samples she’s worked on with Metabolic Studio have gone from testing at high heavy metal levels to nearly contaminant-free.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Wallace Laboratories in El Segundo, Babcock Laboratories in Riverside, Waypoint Analytical in Anaheim and other labs offer more detailed soil tests that measure heavy metal particles in addition to other fertility factors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
As part of the foundation's work, the heavy metal veterans also collaborated with the Welsh Blood Service ahead of their Principality Stadium gig to encourage fans to donate blood and plasma.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
The trial was proposed for the heavy metal heavyweights' gig at Hampden Park on 25 June as a way of reducing queues at the bar.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
Besides the fact that deep down he’s a terrible person, he listens to the worst music—nineties heavy metal.
From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
