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

Ahead, find their must-have picks like metallic sneakers, fresh takes on plaids, baggy jeans, and statement jewelry, from brands including Steve Madden, Levi’s, and Gap. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

The archival 2009 Armani Privé dress features a shimmering metallic design that looks different from every angle. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026

Additional celebrities who have embraced this footwear trend include Emily Ratajkowski, who’s worn the Lidia style from Paris Texas, and Addison Rae, who’s worn custom metallic gold heels from Nou. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026

Red flags included bitterness or any metallic notes the beans may have picked up during processing. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 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