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

Federal Railroad Administration and Environmental Protection Agency officials are on the ground assisting with hazmat operations and air quality testing, according to the statement. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2024

According to a post from the EMA, a perimeter was established and hazmat crews began working to identify the substance. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

Workers in hazmat suits clear up toxic ‘tar balls’ on Coogee Beach in Sydney on Thursday. —Ellie Yuen, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

This year, the whiskey ranges from 122 proof to 137.5 proof—just a few degrees short of hazmat, and for some that’s a welcome respite from the alcoholic burn. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 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