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

Coordinate undertones across cabinets, walls, and trim to avoid clashing. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026

Springsteen pays tribute to 'maestro' Prince But the weighty undertones of the show were well-balanced with comparatively lighthearted selections that provided an escape from the intensity. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

Every color exists in each season, just in different hues meant to match shoppers' unique skin undertones. —Bailey Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026

Blonde hair colors with light to neutral undertones typically complement these skin tones best. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 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