tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
1
: of or relating to tone, tonality, or tonicity
2
: having tonality
tonally adverb

Examples of tonal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lisa continued the tonal theme with matching lipstick and plenty of pink sapphires. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 Founded in 1991 by Christophe Lemaire, the label has become known for its oversized proportions, tonal palettes and uncompromising materials. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Playing this stuff for humor might have given the film a touch more tonal variation. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 It is also embroidered and overprinted on a graphic T-shirt, and woven into a soft, tonal allover jacquard pattern in a silk blend. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tonal

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonal was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tonal

adjective
ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
: of or relating to a musical tone
tonally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tonal

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