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

Beside the striping and F50 branding, the F50 Formotion leans heavily into the retro running look, which often also features metallic silver, with its application of synthetic overlays over a mesh base. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

The accents look more streamlined and mature than a glittery metallic silver swimsuit, which can pull costume-y and slightly dated. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 23 June 2026

The parade marchers dressed in a sea of fishnets, glitter, metallic scales, and neon wigs, but the crowd similarly brought their nautical A-game. — Amir Hamja, Vogue, 22 June 2026

Available in several colors, including black, blue, red, and metallic gray, these sandals offer the easy, slip-on convenience of a flip-flop with significantly more structure underfoot. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 June 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
• taluk
• bimetallic
• nonmetallic

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