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

The backdrop is hazmat yellow, and in a touch that’s as subtle as a propaganda poster, one wrist sports a smartwatch displaying the rainbow flag. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

The closure for hazmat cleanup is expected to last well into the evening rush hour and possibly beyond that time, police said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

In this beloved sci-fi novel, Jason Dessen awakes strapped to a gurney surrounded by figures in hazmat suits. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

The total response included 38 personnel, five engines, two trucks, two rescues and one hazmat, Kim said. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 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

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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