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

This recipe is similar to a traditional Texas Sheet Cake, but with more spicy undertones, thanks to the soda. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025

The scent boasts creamy coconut and vanilla notes that give it a beachy feel, while citrus and woody undertones offer a clean, herbal aroma. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

Crafted in Italy, Saint Laurent’s Nico platforms are also available in Bordeaux, a rich red shade with purple and brown undertones. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025

Foundation Rock also highlights her relationship with other protective deities, consistently linking her power to myths and the spiritual undertone of water. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 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