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Definition of headbang

headbang

/ˈhɛdˌbæŋ/
head · bang
Past Simple:headbanged
•
Past Participle:headbanged
•
Present Participle:headbanging
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headbang Lexical Profile

headbang Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To shake or bob one's head vigorously up and down in time with the beat of loud music (especially heavy metal or hard rock).

Example

"Fans in the front row began to headbang as soon as the guitarist played the opening riff."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for headbang

• Nearby Words

headache
headachy
headband
headbang
headbanger
headbanging
headboard

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 1970s as a back-formation from "headbanger," a term reportedly coined during Led Zeppelin's 1970 US tour when audience members in the front row were seen banging their heads against the stage in time to the music.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headbang. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headbang
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