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 metallic strands add festive flair and instant charm to mantels and doorways. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Now $100 off, this effortlessly cool sweatshirt may just be your new go-to in-flight layer with its forgiving, oversized shape and metallic embroidery at the front. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

Upon entering the space, shoppers are greeted with the women’s accessories area with variations of its signature bag styles like Extra Pocket, Loom and Needle, as well as a selection of hats, eyewear, and silk scarves on metallic shelves against textured walls. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

Metallic Charcoal There’s something a bit sci-fi about the metallic charcoal nail that feels particularly relevant this season—blame the Beyoncé Renaissance world tour or Rabanne's beauty launch. —Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 12 Nov. 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