intone

verb

in·​tone in-ˈtōn How to pronounce intone (audio)
intoned; intoning

transitive verb

: to utter in musical or prolonged tones : recite in singing tones or in a monotone

intransitive verb

: to utter something in singing tones or in monotone
intoner noun

Examples of intone in a Sentence

“Coming soon to a theater near you,” the announcer intoned. “The day is begun,” the narrator intoned
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.
Smart intoned before a drill, not leaving his staff untouched. Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024 Also still present: a recorded voice intoning a once-familiar message over a loudspeaker. Alena Botros, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 As a boxing match-style announcer intones some very iffy facts – 7’3 inches tall? Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024 Valverde, who is Dudamel’s wife, intoned as might a magician. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intone 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French entoner, from Medieval Latin intonare, from Latin in- + tonus tone

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of intone was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near intone

Cite this Entry

“Intone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intone. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intone

verb
in·​tone in-ˈtōn How to pronounce intone (audio)
intoned; intoning
: to utter in musical or prolonged tones : chant
intoner noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intone

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!