metal
gb/mˈɛtəl/ us/mˈɛtəl/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Hard, shiny conductive material
A hard and shiny material, like iron or gold, that can carry heat and electricity.
Usage pattern:
[metal] such as [iron/gold]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'metal' with 'mettle' (meaning courage or spirit), especially in writing.
Synonyms
alloy (A mixture of metals or a metal with another element; more specific.)
Antonyms
nonmetal (A chemical element that does not have metallic properties.)
Collocations
precious metal
|sheet metal
|metal surface
|metal detector
|scrap metal
Themes
science
|materials
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The sculpture was made entirely of recycled metal.
- Copper is a metal used in electrical wiring.
- The roof was covered with sheets of corrugated metal.
- Gold is one of the most valuable metals in the world.
Learner examples
- The car is made of metal.
- Gold is a yellow metal.
- We use metal to make tools.
- This chair has metal legs.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Loud, heavy rock music style
A type of loud rock music with strong beats and electric guitars.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'metal' the music genre with the material; context usually makes it clear.
Synonyms
heavy metal (The more specific term for the genre; 'metal' is often shorthand.)
Antonyms
classical music (A contrasting style that is soft, orchestral, and structured.)
Collocations
heavy metal
|metal band
|metal concert
Themes
music
|entertainment
|arts_entertainment
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He plays guitar in a metal band.
- Metal concerts are known for their high energy.
- Many metal songs feature fast drumming and powerful vocals.
Learner examples
- I like to listen to metal.
- My brother plays in a metal band.
- We went to a metal concert last night.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Chemical element with metallic properties
A type of chemical element that is shiny and can carry heat or electricity.
Synonyms
elemental metal (Specifically refers to the pure element form.)
Antonyms
nonmetal element (An element lacking metallic properties.)
Collocations
alkali metal
|transition metal
|base metal
Themes
science
|chemistry
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Sodium is a soft, reactive metal.
- Iron is an important transition metal in industry.
- Aluminum is a lightweight metal used in many products.
Learner examples
- Iron is a metal in the periodic table.
- Gold is a very heavy metal.
- Aluminum is a light metal.
Grammar
Dictionary form
metal
IPA
GB/mˈɛtəl/
US/mˈɛtəl/
Syllables & stress
met - al (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (met)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: metal
- Plural: metal, metals
Word family
Forms
metals
noun
Core family
metallic
adjective B1
Related words
metalwork
noun
metalworker
noun
Negative and opposite forms
nonmetal
noun
nonmetallic
adjective
Advanced or less common
metallurgy
noun
metallurgist
noun
Expressions
heavy metal
1/hˈɛvi mˈɛtəl/
fixed phrase
Loud rock music style
A kind of loud rock music with electric guitars and strong beats.
Examples
- Heavy metal became popular in the 1970s.
- She enjoys listening to heavy metal when she works out.
precious metal
1/pɹˈɛʃəs mˈɛtəl/
fixed phrase
Rare valuable metallic element
A rare and expensive type of metal like gold or silver.
Examples
- Gold is the most well-known precious metal.
- Investors often buy precious metals during economic uncertainty.
scrap metal
1/skɹˈæp mˈɛtəl/
fixed phrase
discarded metal for recycling
Old or broken metal that people keep or sell so it can be used again.
Examples
- The old car was sold for scrap metal.
- He makes money by collecting scrap metal.
- Scrap metal prices have gone up this year.
- The yard was full of scrap metal from old machines.