headbanger

noun

head·​bang·​er ˈhed-ˌbaŋ-ər 

: a musician who performs hard rock

also : a fan of hard rock

Examples of headbanger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The group, formed in Sydney in the mid-1970s, was an institution among Aussie headbangers, specializing in the down-and-dirty hard rock of their friends in AC/DC, which is considered a national treasure. — Alex Williams, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

His band turned the song into a headbanger’s delight; Jay remained steady and regal over the crunching guitar chords and cathartic drum kicks. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Instead of a choppy, headbanger shag, try a lighter, cozier version. — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for headbanger

• anger