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

Available in metallic champagne, black, and brown, the Soul Tia Slip-On is built on a slick, white sole that’s grooved for extra flexibility, with a round toe box and 1.75-inch heel. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Scientists also think that the atmosphere is populated with light-absorbing metallic gases such as sodium and potassium that help shroud the planet in darkness. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

The chic neutral tones are complemented by mixed textures like metallic and suede, creating a one-of-a-kind shoe that’s sure to stand out in your collection. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025

The rarest among the three are M-type asteroids, which are metallic, containing a much larger concentration of iron-nickel compared to the other two asteroid types. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 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