overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn 

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

b

: harmonic sense 2

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

Not only were the overtones present, but the pattern of pitch and decay matched predictions for the black hole's mass and spin derived using the general theory of relativity. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

Those earlier movies were rich in natural symbols—dramatic elements that inspired images rich in philosophical overtones. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025

Djinn, Dajjal, and digital deception If ethics committees tackle AI’s day-to-day utility, lore tackles its metaphysical overtones. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025

The question of whether the characters were lovers was the subject of great debate, fueled by the romantic overtones in their onscreen interactions. —Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overtone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

overtone

noun

over·​tone -ˌtōn 

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 

: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone