headbang

verb

head·​bang ˈhed-ˌbaŋ How to pronounce headbang (audio)
variants or less commonly head-bang
headbanged also head-banged; headbanging also head-banging; headbangs also head-bangs

intransitive verb

: to dance with a rhythmic forceful bobbing of the head
… whether you're headbanging to heavy metal or absorbing indie anthems …Lauren Codling
headbanging noun
or less commonly head-banging
… a killer industrial metal soundtrack for adrenaline-fuelled headbanging. Pratik Navani
headbanging adjective
or less commonly head-banging
In the live arena these acts have proved to offer more sonic and visual excitement than the most headbanging rock group. David Smyth

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headbang was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headbang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headbang. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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