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

Aura designs, colorful gems, metallic accents, and creative French tips can make just as much of a statement on shorter lengths. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026

That begins with the shades found in this collection’s LV Ombres palette, where deep burgundy and dazzling blue-gray metallic shadows are the heavy hitters. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

The researchers say, however, that some of the metabolic reactions were catalyzed not by elaborate protein enzymes, as in all organisms today, but by simple metallic chemical elements found in the hydrothermal vents’ minerals. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

For these works, Warhol covered canvases in a metallic gold and copper background and had friends and acquaintances urinate directly onto them. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 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
• taluk
• bimetallic
• nonmetallic

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