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

The arrival of these trains and news of communal massacres in places such as Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Bihar erode the village’s sense of security, despite the inhabitants having lived in harmony for years prior. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, work in harmony to hydrate and boost moisture retention, and the antioxidant-rich vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV rays. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Eckstein’s alchemic mix continues upstairs in the private suite, where a 1930s Swedish ceiling fixture, 19th-century Austrian wall hangings, Ghanaian textiles, and a rare 1950 side table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop coexist in harmony. — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

As a beekeeper, you are also granted a glimpse into a society radically unlike our own, a world of harmony where each bee has its own immutable function. — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 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