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

While the original offered 55, the reformulation includes a whopping 70 options—across fair to deep complexions, then cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones—made with enhanced pigments for a more dimensional finish. —Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026

Classic reds The most classic nail color of all, red nail polish with warm undertones, brings vitality and timeless elegance. —Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026

Choosing the right hue for your undertone ensures your liner enhances rather than competes with the rest of your look. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026

Boston and director Weronika Tofilska (who helmed the premiere episode, among others) draw out the gruesome undertones of familiar nuptial tropes with a sly and twisted sense of humor. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 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