undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

She commented in an undertone that the music was not very good.

2

: a quality (as of emotion) that is present but not clear or obvious

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

—often used with of

There was an undertone of fear in the city.

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

a shade of blue with gray undertones

4

: a secondary or underlying flavor or scent

coffee with undertones of chocolate

Examples of undertone in a Sentence

She commented in an undertone that the music was really not very good.

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

The fabric is a rich brown color with undertones of red.

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, plenty miss the mark with streaky finishes, ashy undertones (on my olive-leaning skin), or color that fades after a few days. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026

Pale Gray Similar to greige but without the warm undertones, pale gray is another timeless, neutral color that goes well with most countertop and backsplash materials. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026

Notes of ripe, fresh mangoes, fragrant mandarins, and blood oranges, and undertones of lemon leaf spark energy and invigoration. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026

The watch also gets a carbon fiber dial with green undertones and a bright green timing seconds hand. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or quiet tone

2

: a faint color as seen through and changing another color