undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

2

: a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

Examples of undertone in a Sentence

She commented in an undertone that the music was really not very good.

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

The fabric is a rich brown color with undertones of red.

Recent Examples on the Web

Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025

Designer Brittny Button says this color family is back, but with more pronounced red undertones, as seen in maroon and burgundy. —Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

Colbert also encourages clients to experiment with undertones as their skin changes throughout the year. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025

Irene Zhang, a researcher on China’s AI ecosystem and an editor of ChinaTalk, noted the business undertones of Wu’s announcement. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertone

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

Kids Definition

undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or quiet tone

2

: a faint color as seen through and changing another color