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
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.
In particular, the company has beefed up its lifestyle category with unexpected objects, such as a 120-euro sculptural metallic box with scented spheres to hang in closets or cars and 48-euro ceramic pencils to dip into concentrated perfume to make desks and corporate environments more enjoyable. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 One of my favorite looks of hers was a colorful and abstract blouse and mini skirt combo, featuring a blue metallic mini handbag. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024 While True opted to wear flat shoes underneath her bodysuit, her mom completed the look with over-the-knee metallic silver high-heel boots. Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 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 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 21 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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