overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
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
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.
Ulrich did not realize that the film had comedic overtones and went deep into his role, researching famous teen killers like Leopold and Loeb and the Menendez brothers. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The result was something closer to traditional rock, with Seventies arena overtones and hints of glam, once again a departure from King Gizzard’s past albums while sounding very much like themselves. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2024 But many leaders in Indian Country view the president’s apology as a huge step forward even if it was done with political overtones. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024 Candidates and pundits have cited political rhetoric with autocratic overtones as a primary threat to American democracy. Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near overtone

Cite this Entry

“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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!