modulate

verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

transitive verb

1

: to tune to a key or pitch

2

a

: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion

The kidneys modulate [=regulate] the amount of salt in the body.

b

: to change the sound of (the voice) by making it quieter, lower, higher, etc.

… his mellow voice never had any sharpness in it; modulated as at present, it was calculated rather to soothe than startle slumber.

—Charlotte Brontë

3

: to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio)

also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam

intransitive verb

1

: to play or sing with modulation

2

: to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys

3

: to pass gradually from one state to another

modulator

ˈmä-jə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

modulatory

ˈmä-jə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Examples of modulate in a Sentence

Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad.

The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s made with guayusa (a natural source of L-theanine and caffeine) and gotu kola (for modulating GABA). —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

At other times, the cloak reads as an exterior, modulated, flowing sculptural layer—almost like a cloud that envelops the building, as with the Luma Tower in Arles, France. —Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Even for women uninterested in modulating their feelings and behavior to fit a societal standard of supportive positivity, perimenopause is presented as a hazard to health and well-being. —Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026

Studies suggest that MSCs can interact with immune cells in ways that help modulate inflammatory signaling, without broadly suppressing immune function. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari to play, sing, from modulus small measure, rhythm, diminutive of modus measure — more at mete

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

modulate

verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

1

: to tune to a key or pitch

2

: to adjust or regulate to the proper proportion

especially : to tone down : soften

modulated his voice

3

: to vary a quality (as frequency or amplitude) of an electromagnetic wave for the transmission of information (as by radio)

modulator

-ˌlāt-ər 

noun

modulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

modulate

transitive verb

mod·​u·​late ˈmäj-ə-ˌlāt 

modulated; modulating

: to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion

modulate an immune response

modulate cell activity

modulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective