What does metallic mean?
Metallic is an adjective describing what is made of metal or has qualities strongly associated with it. It can refer to material composition, as in a metallic shield, but it is also widely used for visual and sensory effects: metallic colors are cool and reflective, metallic sounds are hard and ringing, and metallic tastes are sharp or unpleasant. The word often conveys hardness, durability, coldness, or a slightly futuristic quality. In descriptions of voices, metallic suggests a bright, cold, or mechanically resonant tone. Although literal metal objects are metallic, the adjective has a broader figurative use for anything that resembles metal in appearance or sound. Its flexibility makes it useful in physical descriptions, art criticism, technology, food writing, and figurative comparisons.
adjectiveMade of, consisting of, or resembling metal, especially in appearance, sound, or sheen. Metallic can also describe a voice or other quality that sounds hard, cold, or resonant.
- Made of or consisting of metal.
- Resembling metal in appearance, sheen, sound, taste, or texture.
- Having a hard, cold, or ringing quality, especially as a description of a voice.
"The metallic scent of rain on hot pavement filled the air."
"The sculpture had a smooth, metallic surface that reflected the surrounding trees."
"Her metallic voice carried through the stadium."
Metallic describes everything from the gleam of a coin to the cold, ringing sound of a bell, giving ordinary objects an almost cinematic intensity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metallic come from?
Metallic derives from the adjective metallicus, a Latin formation based on metallum, meaning “metal” or “mine.” The word entered English through French and became established in the 16th century. It shares its root with metal, metallurgy, and related terms connected with metals or metallic composition.
How metallic is actually used
The adjective is common in both formal and informal contexts. When describing color, it often suggests a reflective, grayish or bluish quality; when describing sound, it suggests a clear, hard, ringing resonance.
Easily confused with metallic
Metal is the material itself or a substance belonging to the category of metals, whereas metallic is an adjective describing qualities associated with metal.