harmonic

1 of 2

adjective

har·​mon·​ic här-ˈmä-nik 

1

: musical

2

: of or relating to musical harmony or a harmonic

3

: pleasing to the ear : harmonious

4

: of an integrated nature : congruous

harmonically

här-ˈmä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

harmonic

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: overtone

especially : one whose vibration frequency is an integral multiple of that of the fundamental

b

: a flutelike tone produced on a stringed instrument by touching a vibrating string at a nodal point

2

: a component frequency of a complex wave (as of electromagnetic energy) that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency

Synonyms of harmonic

Adjective

• symmetrical
• balanced
• elegant
• aesthetic
• graceful
• harmonious

Examples of harmonic in a Sentence

Adjective

the desire to live the kind of harmonic life in which work and family are perfectly balanced

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

According to the announcement, over 14 weeks, students will explore the harmonic language, melodic design, rhythmic vocabulary, lyrical construction, production principles, and signature devices that define Max Martin’s chart-topping catalog. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026

But periods of harmonic rotation away from tech have refreshed the uptrend several times. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Noun

Finally, there is Tube+, which reduces overall loop-gain to enhance the second harmonic by +6dB, pushing the tube character further still. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

The low-frequency harmonics and vibrations are intended to promote relaxation and support the brainwave patterns associated with deep and restorative sleep. —Soundhealth, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing harmonic

• harmonic analysis
• harmonic mean
• harmonic motion
• harmonic progression
• harmonic series

Rhymes for harmonic

• atonic
• benthonic
• bionic
• bosonic
• bubonic
• canonic
• carbonic
• cyclonic
• demonic
• dystonic
• hadronic
• hedonic

Kids Definition

harmonic

1 of 2 adjective

har·​mon·​ic här-ˈmän-ik 

: of or relating to musical harmony as opposed to melody or rhythm

harmonically

-ˈmän-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

harmonic

2 of 2 noun

: overtone sense 1