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 star accessorized with gold wrist cuffs. 07 of 23 Kelly Rowland Kelly Rowland got the metallic memo at the The Critics Choice Association's 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television in L.A. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Her metallic Christian Siriano gown was the perfect compliment to Beyoncé’s golden Balmain number—like mother, like daughter. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

Beyoncé and her daughter (and costar), Blue Ivy, wore metallic gowns and looked stunning. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024

For a nation that was the first to ban all metallic mining operations, joining such a forum struck many as an unusual move that preceded a national pivot on the issue. —Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

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

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