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

Ortega wore metallic silver, platform pumps and accessorized her look with a delicate statement necklace and ring by Effy Jewelry. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

For example, researchers have evaluated only a few thousand of the millions of possible metallic-glass alloys in five decades. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025

The Puma sneakers bring a sleek, sporty vibe with metallic silver accents, while the Lucky Step sneakers add playful texture with mesh detailing. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025

Don’t underestimate the power of classic shapes—like a set of metallic orbs in varying sizes. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025

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