overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
Synonyms of overtonenext
1
a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
b
: harmonic sense 2
2
: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3
: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation

Examples of overtone in a Sentence

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.
Many songs had dark overtones, reflecting Morrison's cerebral, if haunted, nature. — Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 14 May 2025 Here, the arguments were fierce, layered with subtexts and overtones more audible then than now. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 It’s accompanied mostly by Russell’s banjo picking, but adds churchy overtones. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The title song captured the singer’s own continental background with overtones to the Baader-Meinhof terrorist group. — Bill Wyman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtone

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtone was in 1867

Rhymes for overtone

See All Rhymes for overtone

Browse Nearby Words

overtoil
overtone
overtop
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone -ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
1
: any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2
: an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : suggestion
the words carried an overtone of menace

Medical Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Rare and Amusing Insults, Volume 3

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All