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 new model’s color options are also worth mentioning, with the Premium Super Lowpro Trainer introducing new metallic finishes and full-suede constructions to the on-trend look. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 The sauce could take on a metallic taste or start to break down the seasoning on your skillet. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026 This powerful analytical method combines laser light with a sharp metallic tip that concentrates the electromagnetic field into a tiny volume. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 Scientists have long wondered how much hydrogen might be buried in Earth’s molten metal engine, and have analyzed chemical interactions in iron to try to estimate the metallic core’s hydrogen reservoir. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on metallic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster