English · Word Candidate

metallic

/mɪˈtæl.ɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: metallics

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of, relating to, or characteristic of metal.

Adjective

Examples

The Lethrblaka's blood, to Eragon's astonishment, was a metallic blue-green, not unlike the verdigris that forms on aged copper.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Made of or containing metal.

Adjective

Examples

[…] and, lo ! a palace towering ſeems, / With Parian pillars and metallic beams.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A metallic color.

Noun

Examples

As Robert Clergerie, whose unisex Popée shoe comes in an array of pastels and eye-popping metallics, explained the attraction, “It gives manhood to women.”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “metallic” mean?

Of, relating to, or characteristic of metal.

Is “metallic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.