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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Scatter the different metals around the tree with ornaments, garlands, and flowers for a metallic Christmas display that sparkles next to string lights. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024 The actress added on metallic open-toe heels and silver bracelets by Tiffany & Co., including one of the brand’s iconic Elsa Peretti cuffs. Alex Badia, WWD, 3 Nov. 2024 Red Ribbed Tumbler: 12-ounce metallic red tumbler with a ribbed pattern. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024 Dries Van Noten metallic sneakers $505 SSENSE $565 NET-A-PORTER $535 MYTHERESA Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum If Merit’s makeup and skin-care products reimagine how the modern woman does her glam, its first perfume does the same with fragrance. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near metallic

Cite this Entry

“Metallic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metallic. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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