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

After proving a score, TruthScan lists factors such as unnatural speech patterns, generative signatures, and artificial intonation. —Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Melody tends to override cadence and intonation, flattening vowel sounds into whatever the tune demands. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026

Studies also show that children exposed to a second language early, roughly before puberty, are more likely to develop nativelike pronunciation and intonation. —Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026

After this display of reverence, the scroll would be laid down on a podium and opened, and the rabbi would read that week’s portion aloud in a special intonation. —Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 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