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

Shires brought the song to its high point by trading bluesy, swampy fiddle solos and twin harmony with the backing band’s Noah Jeffries, unrehearsed. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026

This way, the contrast will create some visual harmony. —Dino Bonačić, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026

The group recasts these songs with somber, chant-like harmonies and sparse backing—drums, keys, and electric guitar. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026

My lack of Portuguese comprehension skills can’t stop me from enjoying these spectacles of audiovisual harmony. —Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 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