metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈta-lik How to pronounce metallic (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And then, Michael Bay showed up in 2007 and turned the nifty shapeshifters into screeching metallic war machines who died violent digital deaths and rained sparks and destruction upon cities — for seven movies and counting. Marc Snetiker, EW.com, 8 July 2025 The OnePlus Buds 4 come in two colors Zen Green and Storm Gray, with a matte metallic finish. Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Steinfeld glittered in a sheer silver metallic lace gown that featured two bold cutout details. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 7 July 2025 Two styles were previewed in black and tan, each with metallic gold eyelets and tongue co-brand in white. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for metallic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of metallic was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Metallic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metallic. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

metallic

adjective
me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈtal-ik How to pronounce metallic (audio)
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 How to pronounce metallic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a metal
2
: made of or containing a metal
3
: having properties of a metal

More from Merriam-Webster on metallic

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