tune

noun

Save Word

\ ˈtün

, ˈtyün \

Definition of tune

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a pleasing succession of musical tones : melody

b : a dominant theme

2 : correct musical pitch or consonance —used chiefly in the phrases in tune and out of tune

3a : agreement, harmony in tune with the times

b : general attitude : approach changed his tune when the going got rough

c archaic : a frame of mind : mood

4 : amount, extent custom-made to the tune of $40 to $50 apiece — Amer. Fabrics

5a : manner of utterance : intonation specifically : phonetic modulation

b archaic : quality of sound : tone

tune

verb

tuned; tuning

Definition of tune (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to adjust in musical pitch or cause to be in tune tuned her guitar

2a : to bring into harmony : attune

b : to adjust for precise functioning —often used with up tune up an engine

c : to make more precise, intense, or effective

3 : to adjust with respect to resonance at a particular frequency: such as

a : to adjust (a radio or television receiver) to respond to waves of a particular frequency —often used with in

b : to establish radio contact with tune in a directional beacon

4 : to adjust the frequency of the output of (a device) to a chosen frequency or range of frequencies also : to alter the frequency of (radiation)

intransitive verb

1 : to become attuned

2 : to adjust a radio or television receiver to respond to waves of a particular frequency

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing tune Learn More About tune

Examples of tune in a Sentence

Noun hummed a little tune while I sorted the laundry your negative assessment of the restaurant seems to be in tune with the opinions of the critics Verb The piano needs to be tuned. We tuned our bikes before the road trip. The mechanic tuned the engine. The copilot tuned the radio to hear the message. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Amongst the lively crowd of fashion insiders, many dawned Alice + Olivia pieces, while others rocked an array of colorful, flirty numbers in tune with the brand’s whimsical ethos. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 June 2022 It; these days, his writing is more in tune with the economical worldbuilding of his favorite short stories. — Sadie Dupuis, SPIN, 16 June 2022 The Judds covered an Elvis Presley tune (his version was already a cover of the Teresa Brewer original) as their introduction to the world and won over hearts with their interpretation. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2022 The Bears begin the defense of their national championship with an easy tune-up. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2022 Behavioral data, lifecycle segmentation, analytics and their big data brethren ultimately dance to an uncomfortable tune. — Paul Talbot, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021 While Modi continues to pay tribute to Gandhi, whose legacy still holds enormous soft power in India and around the world, Modi’s Hindu-nationalist policies and worldview are more in tune with Godse’s. — Yasmeen Serhan, The Atlantic, 2 June 2022 In tune with that idea, Aje offers a heart-rending depiction of a child trying to tough his way through pain. — Celia Wren, Washington Post, 30 May 2022 This unease can easily be avoided with proper preparation and staying in tune with your prospect from beginning to end. — John Hall, Forbes, 22 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb And there were plenty of musical performances to tune into. — Carlos R. Muñoz, BostonGlobe.com, 12 June 2022 Those who want to tune into the movie premiere, but have ditched regular cable, can still stream Caribbean Summer. — al, 11 June 2022 The easiest way to watch Trooping the Colour from the U.S. is to tune into a livestream on YouTube. — Emily Burack, Town & Country, 2 June 2022 Performed on towels on the sand, the uneven terrain challenges your balance while the stunning ocean view encourages you to tune into the moment. — Anna Haines, Forbes, 2 June 2022 Users do not need an account to tune into a live broadcast. — Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 17 May 2022 The Voice's official Twitter account shared the same video as well and dropped a hint about when viewers would be able to tune into the upcoming season. — Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 16 May 2022 Here are a few ways to tune into those feelings: Check in with yourself after using social media. — Melissa Matthews, SELF, 10 May 2022 Below, scroll through every 2022 Met Gala red carpet look, and be sure to tune into Vogue’s official livestream to see all of the action on the step and repeat firsthand. — Vogue, 2 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tune.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for tune

Noun

Middle English tune, tuin, tewne "musical sound, melody, key of a musical composition," borrowed from Anglo-French tun, ton, tuen tone entry 1

Note: In Middle English tune is effectively a variant of tone, but both forms are irregular outcomes of their Anglo-French sources (see note at tone entry 1). In the case of tune, the vowel nucleus seems to have fallen together with the outcomes of the French diphthong ui, as in june and puny.

Verb

derivative of tune entry 1

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best kids headphones.