overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
1
a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
2
: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3
: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation

Examples of overtone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The AfD, born in 2013 in opposition to the country’s bailouts of fellow European Union members after the financial crisis, had quickly evolved to focus on resisting the migrant surge that began nearly a decade ago, with frequently nationalistic and racist overtones. Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2024 This body extension, with its S&M-like overtones, epitomizes the erotic quality of many of Horn’s works. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2024 Pic has awareness because of Wilson’s highly public dispute with her producers, but insiders say there is a real film here, a musical about a town’s annual debutante ball that has satirical overtones. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024 Rarely has a compliment carried such unsettling overtones. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overtone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overtone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtone was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near overtone

Cite this Entry

“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone -ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
1
: any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2
: an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : suggestion
the words carried an overtone of menace

Medical Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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