metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈta-lik How to pronounce metallic (audio)
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 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 Dressed in a stunning dark cloak with shimmering black feathers and a metallic bodysuit, the Mexican icon exuded a captivating presence. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2024 But for me, the modern flair is most on display in the spa, where the relaxation room has plush loungers facing slanted floor-to-ceiling windows and chic, Jetsons-esque metallic light fixtures. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2024 In Motley’s night-life scenes, the color purple may be metallic, fleshy, menacing, or erotic, but never meek. The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 Here, metallic chevron details decorate the front of a midcentury sideboard cabinet, which offers stylish storage in this living room. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2024 The facility is next to Jordan High School, where students and staff have long complained that school grounds have been coated in metallic dust and pelted with metal shrapnel. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Emily wore a metallic Elie Saab Couture gown with cutout details and beading all over. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 The shade contrasted beautifully with her metallic gown and mirrored the soft, peachy tones of her makeup. Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 10 Mar. 2024 Lohan paired the dress — which also had a slight slit, exposing Lohan's ankle-strap heels — with a black clutch with more metallic details, and a final touch of sparkle with a pair of statement drop earrings. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metallic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of metallic was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near metallic

Cite this Entry

“Metallic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metallic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metallic

adjective
me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈtal-ik How to pronounce metallic (audio)
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 How to pronounce metallic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a metal
2
: made of or containing a metal
3
: having properties of a metal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!