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 journey continues up the staircase, which starts with the metallic train station vibe and transitions into an inviting second-floor lounge, opening up into the retro vinyl bar, 929, a reimagining of the former Long Island City speakeasy of the same name. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Dior centered Anya Taylor-Joy in a classic red lip and metallic gold eye shadow for its warm-glowing Circus of Dreams campaign. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2025

Add a metallic touch with gold and silver accents, and create a layered design by adding gold buttons, faux fur for a beard, fringe, and tassel details on the uniform. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2025

The stage is adorned with red roses and the dining room columns are wrapped in pine needles, roses and metallic details including ornaments. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 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