Definition

Noun: - A type of golf club: A "metal wood" is a golf club designed for long-distance shots. Its key characteristic is having a club head made primarily of metal, unlike traditional "woods" which historically had heads made from wood.

Usage

• This term specifically refers to the modern construction of certain golf clubs. It is used when discussing golf equipment, technology, or technique.
• It is a compound noun where "metal" describes the material of the "wood" (a class of golf club).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a technical or sporting context. While "metal wood" is the specific term, in common golf parlance, these clubs are now often simply called "woods" or "fairway woods," even though they are made of metal, making the original term somewhat historical or descriptive.
• Numbered Designations: Metal woods are often referred to by their loft angle (e.g., 3-wood, 5-wood) rather than the material, but "metal" may be specified to contrast with antique or classic clubs.

Variants and Related Words

• Wood (noun): In golf, a class of clubs traditionally with wooden heads, now a category for long-range clubs regardless of material (e.g., driver, fairway wood).
• Driver (noun): A type of wood (typically a 1-wood) used for the initial shot on a hole. Most modern drivers are metal woods.
• Fairway Wood (noun): A metal wood designed for use on the fairway, not just the tee.
• Hybrid (noun): A modern golf club that combines features of metal woods and irons.

Synonyms

• Fairway metal: A less common but descriptive synonym.
• Metal-headed wood: A more explicit, descriptive phrase.

Notes on Meaning

• This is a specialized term with a single, clear meaning within the sport of golf. It does not refer to a type of material (like a metal that looks like wood) outside of this context. The name is an oxymoron, preserving the historical "wood" classification despite the change in materials.

Noun

1. golf wood with a metal head instead of the traditional wooden head