Definition of intonation
Explore M-W
Examples of intonation in a Sentence
identical sentences, differing only in intonation
Recent Examples of intonation from the Web
-
Intonation problems bedeviled much of her work as the evening progressed, her singing undistinguished, at least by jazz standards.
-
Mr. Pitt comes very close to the margin of caricature, all gruff intonations and chest-pumping, but often General McMahon is not entirely unsympathetic.
-
A study found that different parts of a dog’s brain process intonation and the meaning of words spoken to them.
-
Both quartets played Schubert’s Cello Quintet (and everything else on their programs) at such a high level that accuracy of intonation, ensemble precision and technical fluidity were a given.
-
Thus the classic intonations of every major religion have the simple, repetitive cadence also found in the best political speeches.
-
Gucci Mane showed a generation how to emphasize intonation over enunciation, and how to deploy slight rhythmic imprecision to buck the stiff authority of the beat.
-
Even the simplest tasks required memorizing the proper intonations, then executing several exacting steps.
-
Though voices vary in intonation, many speakers are women or children.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intonation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1620
First Known Use of intonation
1620
INTONATION Defined for English Language Learners
intonation
playDefinition of intonation for English Language Learners
-
: the rise and fall in the sound of your voice when you speak
INTONATION Defined for Kids
intonation
playDefinition of intonation for Students
: the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech
Learn More about intonation
-
See words that rhyme with intonation Spanish Central: Translation of intonation Nglish: Translation of intonation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intonation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up intonation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!