English Reference

Word

metallic

Phoneticsmetal·lic

US/məˈtæɫɪk/

UK/mətˈælɪk/

Definitions

01made of metal

B1 · Intermediate

adj. made of or containing metal.

adj. composed of or containing metal in its physical structure.

“The robot had a shiny metallic body that reflected the light.”

“The geologist identified several metallic minerals within the rock sample, suggesting the presence of iron or copper deposits nearby.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

non-metallic

02shiny appearance

B1 · Intermediate

adj. having a shiny or polished look like metal.

adj. possessing a lustrous or reflective finish characteristic of polished metal.

“She chose a metallic blue paint for her new car.”

“The fashion designer used metallic fabrics to create a futuristic aesthetic for the winter collection.”

Antonyms

03harsh sound

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. sounding sharp or cold, like two pieces of metal hitting each other.

adj. describing a sound that is harsh, resonant, or thin, resembling the clanging of metal objects.

“The old radio made a strange metallic noise whenever the volume was high.”

“His voice had a cold, metallic edge that made the listeners feel uneasy during the announcement.”

Synonyms

tinnyclangingharsh

Antonyms

04a type of paint or color

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a paint or color that has a shiny, metal-like finish.

n. a pigment or finish, often used in automotive or decorative contexts, that incorporates small particles to create a reflective effect.

“The car is available in three different metallics, including silver and bronze.”

“The manufacturer noted that applying metallics requires a specific spraying technique to ensure the flakes are distributed evenly across the surface.”

Synonyms

metallic paint

Etymology

From Latin metallicus, from metallum (“metal”), from Ancient Greek μέταλλον (métallon). Equivalent to metal + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

metallic(B1)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference