hazmat

noun

haz·​mat ˈhaz-ˌmat 

often attributive

: a material (such as flammable or poisonous material) that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without precautions

Did you know?

The origin of "hazmat" is clear enough - it was formed by combining the first three letters of each of two words: "hazardous" and "material." The word hazmat is fairly young, first appearing in print in 1980. Although it is a noun, "hazmat" tends to be used attributively, meaning that it often appears in sentences before another noun as if it were performing the duties of an adjective (as in "hazmat team" and "hazmat worker").

Examples of hazmat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Upon being inside the facility, (the hazmat team) noticed that all production line machines were still showing signs of having power to them, the (hazmat team) did not see any lockout tags on any electrical machine. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 1 Mar. 2024

Several men in hazmat suits then passed the bodies to a small crowd of men wearing masks. —NBC News, 1 Feb. 2024

Most hazmat spills occur on America’s highways, not waterways, according to a USA TODAY Network analysis of federal data. —Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Pick 'n Save is currently closed with hazmat teams checking the building. —Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2024

As the camera captures empty cities, military personnel marching and health workers in full white hazmat suits, everyone wearing masks and gloves, the collective trauma of the pandemic is rendered like a horror film. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024

The software is used by the department and volunteer companies for compliance testing, which includes hazmat and bloodborne pathogens. —Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2024

The final product comes in at 121.2 proof—nowhere near hazmat level, but much stronger than Woodford’s core bourbon which is 90.4 proof. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2024

Key Facts The Daily Beast first reported the incident, noting several fire trucks were spotted outside Trump Jr.’s residence in Jupiter, Florida, along with men dressed in hazmat suits. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

hazardous material

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

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Medical Definition

hazmat

noun

haz·​mat

ˈhaz-ˌmat

often attributive

: a material (as radioactive, flammable, explosive, or poisonous material) that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without necessary precautions being taken

toxic waste hauled away by workers in hazmat suits

—Tom Spousta

hazmat storage