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

Stookey and then-manager Albert Grossman also felt like Peter, Paul and Mary, which performed folk songs, carried strong biblical overtones. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

There was also the biblical overtone to Peter, Paul and Mary. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026

Rittenhouse was also 17 at the time, and claimed self defense in a case with strong racial and political overtones that also spurred large, controversial online fundraising campaigns. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

The curators have enhanced the exhibition’s empathetic overtones by incorporating the voice of the general public. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026

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