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

The non-metallic grey-green is rare and polarizing. —James Raia, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

Above this sits the indium-free chalcopyrite absorber, followed by a 150-nm cadmium sulfide buffer layer, a zinc oxide window layer, and a metallic grid electrode. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

Separately, curtains and wallpaper adorned in smaller-scale patterns and matte finishes tend to read calmer than glossy or metallic treatments that can introduce noise and disarray. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026

These flip-flops have a breezy style with a metallic finish that makes a statement, while still being effortless to toss on for the pool, beach or any other casual outing. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 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