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 Milwaukee Fire Department's hazmat team determined a suspicious package the Milwaukee Election Commission received Friday morning was not hazardous, city officials said. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024

Federal Railroad Administration and Environmental Protection Agency officials were also on the ground assisting with hazmat operations and air quality testing, according to a statement issued by the White House. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2024

Scottsdale Fire Department crews were on the scene with hazmat teams, working to stop runoff and protect nearby areas. —Skylar Heisey, The Arizona Republic, 19 Nov. 2024

After two days of fear that the 30,000-gallon tank car could explode, hazmat teams were able to contain the leak. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

hazardous material

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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