# metallic

/məˈtæɫɪk/ (US) · /mətˈælɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metallic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. made of metal

adjective · CEFR B1

made of or containing metal.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. shiny appearance

adjective · CEFR B1

having a shiny or polished look like metal.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. harsh sound

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a type of paint or color

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The car has a shiny metallic finish.
- The water from the old pipes had a strange metallic taste that made it hard to drink.
- The architect chose a metallic cladding for the skyscraper to reflect the changing colors of the sky throughout the day.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.