tone poem

noun

: an extended programmatic composition for symphony orchestra usually freer in form than a symphony
tone poet noun

Examples of tone poem 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.
The dark spinning ride is inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns' 1874 symphonic tone poem—revealing any more details would detract from its ghostly allure. Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 Garland’s properly alarming and exquisitely designed film is as close as American mainstream cinema is likely to get to an experimental tone poem. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026 The concerts also feature works by Jean Sibelius: the gripping Violin Concerto, with Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan, and The Swan of Tuonela, a miniature tone poem depicting a swan gliding on the black river surrounding the underworld of Finnish mythology. Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 In the process, Tarr essayed an arresting tone poem about spiritual isolation that enraptured viewers. Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tone poem

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tone poem was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tone poem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone%20poem. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tone poem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster