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

Officials said hazmat crews remain at the scene conducting air monitoring as teams prepare to safely enter the facility. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

But the latest news is about the release of the new Special Release Small Batch Rye, a hazmat proof rye whiskey that somehow still manages to be drinkable, albeit in small doses. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2026

Photos shared in the release show two people in hazmat suits investigating a black van, as well as buckets filled with a purple liquid. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

Firefighters on the scene discovered ten buckets full of an unknown chemical, prompting a hazmat response. —Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

hazardous material

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hazmat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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