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

Voice Translate The Pixel 10 series can translate voice calls in real time while recreating both speakers' voices and intonations. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

Among them, unfortunately, are a number of questionable and distracting Mancunian accents from a cast which is, er, mostly not from Manchester—intonations that will likely go unnoticed by American ears, but may be unbearable to some British ones. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025

Every time Ash calls Sarah, his words are spoken by someone completely new, a total stranger with their own intonation. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025

The pair give exacting performances laced with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details around shifts in facial expressions, body language and even speech intonation. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 14 Aug. 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