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Definition of headbanging

headbanging

/ˈhɛdˌbæŋ.ɪŋ/
head · bang · ing
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headbanging Lexical Profile

headbanging Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act of violently shaking one's head up and down in time with the beat of loud rock or heavy metal music.

Example

"After an hour of enthusiastic headbanging at the concert, he woke up the next morning with a stiff neck."

• adjective

1

Characterized by, suitable for, or engaging in the vigorous rhythmic shaking of the head to loud rock or heavy metal music.

Example

"The band closed their set with a fast, headbanging anthem that energized the entire stadium."

• Nearby Words

headband
headbang
headbanger
headbanging
headboard
headbutt
headbutter

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 1970s during a Led Zeppelin tour in the United States, when fans in the front row were observed violently nodding their heads in time with the band's heavy rhythm against the edge of the stage.

Cite this Entry

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