intonation

noun

in·​to·​na·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən 

-(ˌ)tō-

1

: manner of utterance

specifically : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

2

: something that is intoned

specifically : the opening tones of a Gregorian chant

3

: the act of intoning and especially of chanting

4

: the ability to play or sing notes in tune

intonational

ˌin-tə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-(ˌ)tō-

adjective

Examples of intonation in a Sentence

identical sentences, differing only in intonation

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes there aren’t even words, only intonation. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026

That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 June 2026

The Spanish is archaic, the intonations are complicated, and the words tumble over themselves like a hard charge toward the goal posts. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

However, open models have become better at handling subtle details like intonation and rhythm, which makes outputs feel much closer to real human speech. — Kshitij Dixit, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intonation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

intonation

noun

in·​to·​na·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of intoning

also : something intoned

2

: the ability to play or sing music in tune

3

: the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

intonational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective