undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

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

2

: a quality (as of emotion) that is present but not clear or obvious

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

—often used with of

There was an undertone of fear in the city.

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

a shade of blue with gray undertones

4

: a secondary or underlying flavor or scent

coffee with undertones of chocolate

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

The Breadwinner leaves behind Universal’s feature take of the Colleen Hoover novel Reminders of Him on that date as well as A24’s undertone among the notable wide entries. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Feb. 2026

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 1 Feb. 2026

Creamy, opaque finishes give it a modern edge, while its cool undertone pairs effortlessly with winter knits and early spring layers. —Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026

The organic cacao from Tanzania in this bar is aged in bourbon casks for a couple of months, which infuses smooth and oaky undertones into the 82% cacao chocolate. —Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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