harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

plural harmonies

1

a

: the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord

She taught him how to sing harmony.

b

: the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords

a song with complicated harmonies and rhythms

c

: the science of the structure, relation, and progression of chords

2

a

: pleasing arrangement of parts : congruence

a painting exhibiting harmony of color and line

b

: agreement, accord

The standard we sanction today is in harmony with the most basic tenets of our law.

—Heighs Implement Co. v. Missouri Hwy and Transp. Commn, 859 S.W.2d 681 (1993)

c

: internal calm : tranquility

a period of relative harmony

3

a

: an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative

b

: a systematic arrangement of parallel literary passages (as of the Gospels) for the purpose of showing agreement or harmony

4

archaic : tuneful sound : melody

Synonyms of harmony

• symmetry
• orchestration
• balance
• proportion
• unity

Examples of harmony in a Sentence

a song with complicated harmonies and rhythms

her face had an angelic harmony that fascinated the leading painters of her day

Recent Examples on the Web

For centuries most Western Classical music was based on tonality, a system in which melodies and harmonies revolve around a central key. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

Much like a symphony, a biophony comprises complex harmonies and rhythms – performed by an orchestra of birds, animals, insects, plants, as well as wind, water, rocks, and soil. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

By contrast, collectivist societies focus more on social harmony and prioritise the group over individual goals, with decisions made based on what is best for the wider community. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English armony, from Anglo-French armonie, from Latin harmonia, from Greek, joint, harmony, from harmos joint — more at arm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Rhymes for harmony

• disharmony

Kids Definition

harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

plural harmonies

1

a

: the combination of musical notes played together as chords

b

: the structure of music with respect to the way it is written and to the way notes are grouped as chords

c

: the science of harmony

2

a

: pleasing or suitable arrangement of parts

b

: agreement sense 1b

lives in harmony with nature