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Synonyms

heavy-duty

American  
[hev-ee-doo-tee, -dyoo-] / ˈhɛv iˈdu ti, -ˈdyu- /

adjective

  1. providing an unusual amount of power, durability, etc..

    heavy-duty machinery; heavy-duty shoes.

  2. very important, impressive, or serious.

    heavy-duty involvement; heavy-duty questions.


heavy-duty British  

noun

  1. made to withstand hard wear, bad weather, etc

    heavy-duty uniforms

  2. subject to high import or export taxes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of heavy-duty

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In Chiang Mai, doctor Thanakrit Im-iam was wearing a heavy-duty respirator to protect himself.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The plant produces the heavy-duty versions of those trucks, the 2500 and 3500, with about 1,100 a day rolling off the line, according to a United Auto Workers official.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Beyond its free version of ChatGPT, OpenAI offers an $8 Go plan for casual users, the standard $20 Plus plan and a $200 Pro tier for heavy-duty developers.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Kempower currently makes a charger that can go as fast as BYD’s infrastructure, but it is only for heavy-duty electric trucks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Then I apply some heavy-duty hand sanitizer for good measure.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott