harmony

noun har·mo·ny \ ˈhär-mə-nē \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Examples: harmony in a Sentence

Definition of harmony

plural harmonies

1 archaic : tuneful sound : melody

2 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

3 a : pleasing arrangement of parts : congruence

a painting exhibiting harmony of color and line

b : agreement, accord

when a woman's desires are in harmony with those of her husband

c : internal calm : tranquility

a period of relative harmony

4 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

See harmony defined for English-language learners

See harmony defined for kids

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 of harmony from the Web

Mr Ford, who will replace Kathleen Wynne, Canada’s first openly lesbian premier, will disrupt that harmony.

— The Economist, "Doug Ford disrupts Canada’s climate policy," 28 June 2018
Since then, wildlife officials have redoubled efforts to help residents find ways to live in harmony with these carnivores.

— christopher bendana, The Christian Science Monitor, "Uganda's pride: Lions test locals' patience," 27 June 2018
Identical twin brothers Amiri and Raheim Taylor’s harmonies made them a favorite as buskers in New York City who played Beatles songs.

— courtney devores, charlotteobserver, "8 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week," 21 June 2018
The addition of crisp snap peas and asparagus, along with prosciutto and soft boiled egg, all in harmony with a nuanced champagne vinaigrette, completed this straightforward charmer.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Diners can get a square deal at Square Meal, a Hotel Revival restaurant," 24 May 2018
As an homage to New York, Laurice Rahmé, the founder of the fragrance house created this scent for men and women to inspire peace and harmony.

— sunhee grinnell, Vanities, "Scent Memo for Spring: Citrus," 8 May 2018
Jarre has built a thrilling live spectacle with a trio of musicians and a brilliant light show that worked in harmony with the music.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Back to the future: Jean-Michel Jarre brings a feast of sound and light," 11 Apr. 2018
Fifty years ago this Wednesday, Robert Kennedy ascended a platform near 17th Street and Broadway to deliver a poignant plea for peace and racial harmony in the wake of word that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been murdered in Memphis.

— robert king, Indianapolis Star, "50 years later, site of Robert Kennedy’s MLK speech begins to show their dream," 1 Apr. 2018
Peace and harmony reigned, as the Dodgers at one point went 43-7.

— usa today sports, USA TODAY, "NL West: One burning question facing every team," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'harmony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of harmony

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

harmony Synonyms

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

HARMONY Defined for English Language Learners

harmony

noun

Definition of harmony for English Language Learners

: the combination of different musical notes played or sung at the same time to produce a pleasing sound
: a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things