metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈta-lik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a metal

b

: made of or containing a metal

c

: having properties of a metal

2

: yielding metal

3

: resembling metal: such as

a

: having iridescent and reflective properties

metallic paint

b

: having an acrid quality like that of metal

the tea has a metallic taste

4

a

: having a harsh resonance : grating

a metallic voice

b

: having an impersonal or mechanical quality

a metallic smile

metallically

mə-ˈta-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of metallic in a Sentence

We chose a paint with a metallic luster.

The medicine has a metallic taste.

Silver is a metallic element.

the metallic screech of the car's brakes

Recent Examples on the Web

Israel also reportedly destroyed the Isfahan metallic uranium plant and claimed limited damage to facilities buried in the mountainside in Fordow; and targeted elimination of the top Iranian nuclear program managers, denying Iran the future human capital for its WMD aspirations. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

Iridescent Moon Deep navy and inky black form the base of this cosmic collection, accentuated with metallic shimmer and midnight sparkle. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025

Nine West Geena Flat Sandals Slide sandals are equal parts comfortable and stylish, especially in metallic gold. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 12 June 2025

The singer’s metallic gold minidress featured a structured bodice with a flowing skirt and asymmetric hemline. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin metallicus "of or relating to metal or mines," borrowed from Greek metallikós, from métallon "mine, metal entry 1" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for metallic

• italic
• alack
• gallic
• hallock
• malic
• malik
• phallic
• salic
• sialic
• bimetallic
• nonmetallic
• brachycephalic

Kids Definition

metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈtal-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or being a metal

2

: containing or made of metal

3

: having a harsh or rasping sound

a metallic voice

Medical Definition

metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈtal-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or being a metal

2

: made of or containing a metal

3

: having properties of a metal