heavy metal

noun

1

: a metal of high specific gravity

2

: energetic and highly amplified electronic rock music having a hard beat

Borrowing elements of everything from grunge to progressive rock, from gospel to heavy metal …

—David Okamoto

Examples of heavy metal in a Sentence

He listens to heavy metal.

lead, gold, and other heavy metals

Recent Examples on the Web

With construction, egg masses buried beneath sand may not survive, and dredging can also release pollutants, including heavy metals, that could affect the iconic snail. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Ghost have shared the new trailer for 2 Big to Rig, the upcoming concert film documenting the Swedish papal heavy metal outfit’s 2025 gigs in Mexico City. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026

Ash analyses from Lāhainā showed elevated levels of heavy metals including antimony, arsenic, and, in leachate testing, chromium. — Angus Chen, STAT, 22 July 2026

Most people don't realize their shower water could be the culprit for dry skin and hair shedding because some tap water is full of heavy metals and harsh chemicals that can damage hair and irritate skin over time. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heavy metal

• diacetyl
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal
• nonmetal
• resettle
• teakettle
• unsettle
• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• mettle