metal wood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Specialized)Technical/Sporting
Quick answer
What does “metal wood” mean?
A type of golf club, historically made of persimmon wood but now with a metal head, designed for long-distance tee shots.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of golf club, historically made of persimmon wood but now with a metal head, designed for long-distance tee shots; also called a fairway wood or driver in modern contexts.
In golf terminology, refers specifically to modern clubs with large, hollow metal (typically titanium or steel) heads that replaced traditional wooden-headed clubs, offering greater power and forgiveness. The term persists as a historical reference to this technological transition in equipment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. The term is a standard part of global golf lexicon.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. May carry a slight nostalgic or historical connotation compared to simply 'driver' or 'fairway wood'.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within golf discourse. More common in instructional materials and commentary from the late 20th century when metal heads first became dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “metal wood” in a Sentence
[Player] + [verb] + [the ball] + with + a metal wood.A metal wood + [verb] + [offers/features/provides] + [benefit].[Adjusting/Choosing] + a metal wood + [is/can be] + [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metal wood” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- His new metal wood added twenty yards to his drive.
- The pro shop has a fine selection of metal woods.
American English
- He cracked the face of his metal wood on a cold morning.
- She pulled her metal wood out of the bag for the long par five.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the golf equipment industry (e.g., 'Sales of metal woods surged this quarter').
Academic
Used in sports science studies on equipment technology and performance.
Everyday
Rare, unless in conversation between golfers.
Technical
Core term in golf coaching, club fitting, and equipment reviews.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metal wood”
- Using 'metal wood' to refer to any iron club. | Confusing 'metal wood' (type of club) with 'wood' (the material). | Capitalising it as a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, yes. The #1 metal wood is the driver. The term 'metal wood' can also refer to other numbered fairway woods (#3, #5) which also have metal heads.
The name is historical. Clubs for long shots were originally made from wood (like persimmon). When manufacturers started making them from metal, they kept the traditional 'wood' designation to indicate the club's purpose and loft, leading to the hybrid term 'metal wood'.
Metal woods began to gain popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with brands like TaylorMade pioneering hollow steel heads. They became dominant on professional tours by the early 1990s.
Yes, modern metal woods are often recommended for beginners as they are more forgiving (have a larger 'sweet spot') and easier to hit than long irons. However, mastering control with a driver takes practice.
A type of golf club, historically made of persimmon wood but now with a metal head, designed for long-distance tee shots.
Metal wood is usually technical/sporting in register.
Metal wood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmetl̩ wʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet̬l wʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “**Leave the driver in the bag**: Advice to use a more cautious club, indirectly referencing the metal wood's power.”
- “**Grip it and rip it**: A phrase associated with aggressive drives using a metal wood.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'metal' replacement for the old 'wooden' club. The name is a fossil of its own history.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION (The club embodies progress from natural material to engineered alloy).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'metal wood' primarily used for in golf?