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
Examples of intonation in a Sentence
identical sentences, differing only in intonation
Recent Examples on the Web
Clarity of thought and expression will become democratized, and the rich knowledge and ideas will be shared in the owner’s own voice and intonations.
—
Beena Ammanath, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The notes began springing out with a glib, dead intonation.
—Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Her tone, intonation, dynamic control, technique and musicianship are all first rate.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
There are no easy hooks or choruses here, these are two heady voices chock-full of smart wordplay, high-speed flow switches and sly changes in inflection and intonation — both of which are elevated by the ever-intensifying instrumental.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024
Viral TikTok clips show Beyoncé or Nicki Minaj holding their mics out during concerts, with the crowd knowing each and every word, intonation, and pause.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2024
See how dramatically that changes the intonation and emotional draw.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
His voice slippery like a lizard, the actor makes every intonation clear and meaningful yet also full of mockery, playing the character while also making fun of him.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 27 Jan. 2024
Haas had forged an original voice using microtonal materials, or intervals smaller than the minor second, the smallest distance between two notes in standard Western intonation.
—Jeffrey Arlo Brown, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2024
Beena Ammanath, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The notes began springing out with a glib, dead intonation.
—Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Her tone, intonation, dynamic control, technique and musicianship are all first rate.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
There are no easy hooks or choruses here, these are two heady voices chock-full of smart wordplay, high-speed flow switches and sly changes in inflection and intonation — both of which are elevated by the ever-intensifying instrumental.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024
Viral TikTok clips show Beyoncé or Nicki Minaj holding their mics out during concerts, with the crowd knowing each and every word, intonation, and pause.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2024
See how dramatically that changes the intonation and emotional draw.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
His voice slippery like a lizard, the actor makes every intonation clear and meaningful yet also full of mockery, playing the character while also making fun of him.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 27 Jan. 2024
Haas had forged an original voice using microtonal materials, or intervals smaller than the minor second, the smallest distance between two notes in standard Western intonation.
—Jeffrey Arlo Brown, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intonation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intonation
Cite this Entry
“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intonation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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