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

There were gut strings, then metallic strings. —Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026

Shoppers also appreciate the selection of more than 20 color options, including classic brown, metallic silver, and a sassy leopard print. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

If going full metallic is not the right fit for your style, think about playing with accessories like metallic boots, a crossbody bag like this one from Kate Spade or jewelry to add a little shine to your look without going all in. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026

Their gorgeous beige-and-brown leopard-print pony skin upper is flanked by the brand’s signature star and a swerve in anthracite metallic leather — on dove-gray suede —set off with orange laces. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

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