metallic

adjective

me·​tal·​lic mə-ˈta-lik How to pronounce metallic (audio)
Synonyms of metallicnext
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.
The one eating the pretzels ate her last pretzel, then crushed the little metallic bag in her fist. Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 This mocha base got a massive rose gold takeover, resulting in a subtle metallic glow that looks so fresh. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, pants adorned with metallic accents, fringe jackets, and handbags reinforce the trend’s strong cowgirl foundation. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2026 Officers reportedly see a metallic object in the forest after investigating the lights. ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metallic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metallic. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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