# metal

/ˈmɛtəɫ/ (US) · /mˈɛtəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR A2

a hard, usually shiny substance such as iron, gold, or steel that can conduct heat and electricity.

For teachers: any of a category of elements or alloys typically characterized by luster, malleability, and high electrical and thermal conductivity.

- The gate is made of heavy metal so it will not break easily.
- Modern aerospace engineering relies on lightweight metals that can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without losing structural integrity.

### 2. music style

noun · CEFR B1

a type of very loud rock music with strong beats and powerful guitars.

For teachers: a subgenre of rock music characterized by distorted guitar sounds, emphatic rhythms, and overall high volume.

- He loves listening to metal because the energy helps him focus while exercising.
- The festival lineup features a diverse array of metal bands, ranging from classic thrash to more experimental symphonic subgenres.

### 3. railway tracks

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

the metal rails that a train travels on.

For teachers: the steel rails of a railway line. Often used in the plural.

- The train came off the metals during the storm, but luckily no one was hurt.
- Engineers were called to inspect the metals after reports of heat-induced warping threatened to disrupt the morning commute.

Usage: Usually appears as 'the metals' in a railway context.

### 4. operating airline

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Technical

the actual airplane or airline that is flying, rather than the company that sold the ticket.

For teachers: the physical aircraft or the specific airline operating a flight in a codeshare agreement.

- I bought my ticket from Delta, but the flight is actually on Virgin metal.
- Frequent flyers often prefer to book through one partner while ensuring they are flying on the metal of a carrier with superior cabin service.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'on [Airline Name] metal'.

### 5. music-related

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

relating to metal music, or having a bold and tough attitude like the music.

For teachers: pertaining to the genre of metal music or exhibiting the brash, unyielding characteristics associated with its subculture.

- That new guitar riff is so metal.
- The band's aesthetic was incredibly metal, featuring spiked leather jackets and dark, aggressive stage lighting.

### 6. to pave a road

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to cover a road with layers of small broken stones.

For teachers: to surface or repair a road using macadam or crushed stone.

- The workers began to metal the track to make it easier for trucks to drive on.
- The council decided to metal the rural pass to prevent the heavy rains from washing away the dirt track every spring.

## Examples

- The gate is made of heavy metal.
- Construction workers use recycled metal to reinforce the foundations of the new office building.
- The industrial revolution was driven by advancements in the extraction and processing of metal, which allowed for the mass production of machinery and infrastructure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.