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

Bono reveals himself here to be as much an actor as a musician, investing his monologue with a theatrical delivery, expressive body language, and the sort of musical intonations with which T.S. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025

Another posted that Eliana was demonstrating her skills of prosody—the patterns of stress and intonation in a language. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

The product — which will live on Peacock’s web browsers, iOS, and iPad apps — will mine Michaels’s long sportscasting career at NBC to synthesize his intonations and pair that synthesized commentary with video from the Olympic events that aired the previous day. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 26 July 2024

Meanwhile, the right side is more broadly connected, suited for processing melodies and the intonation of speech. —Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025

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