unison

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noun uni·son \ ˈyü-nə-sən , -nə-zən \

Definition of unison

1 a :identity in musical pitch; specifically :the interval of a perfect prime

b :the state of being so tuned or sounded

c :the writing, playing, or singing of parts in a musical passage at the same pitch or in octaves

2 :a harmonious agreement or union :concord

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unison

adjective

— in unison

1 :in perfect agreement :so as to harmonize exactly

a class reciting in unison

2 :at the same time :simultaneously

See unison defined for English-language learners

See unison defined for kids

Examples of unison in a Sentence

the members of the committee are in unison on this point

Recent Examples of unison from the Web

Even piles of investments that appear diverse can drop in value if care isn’t taken to ensure the assets won’t move in unison.

— sonali basak, Bloomberg.com, "BlackRock Finds More Risk Assets at Insurers Than '08," 30 Aug. 2017
Now, soccer is the quintessential team sport, one in which eleven players are working in unison to advance or defend the ball.

— nick mafi, GQ, "Neymar Snapped in His $263 Million Debut," 21 Aug. 2017
Marching and chanting in unison has been shown to intensify feelings of oneness and social cohesion.

— jonathan haidt, The Atlantic, "Trump Breaks a Taboo—and Pays the Price," 21 Aug. 2017
From rats and giant spiders, to hoards of cult-like clowns moving in unison, AHS: Cult is aiming to shock and repulse.

— amy mackelden, Marie Claire, "The Latest 'AHS: Cult' Trailer Is a Terrifying Horror Montage," 19 Aug. 2017
The sweating done, the players dived, in unison, beneath the water.

— don norcross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New coach already puts her stamp on USD soccer," 17 Aug. 2017
Ellman is the perfect foil here, sometimes stating the melodies in loose unison with the reedist, sometimes playing against him, but never reverting to predictable chordal comping.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Jazz / Music / Post No Bills Saxophonist JD Allen reacts to turbulent times by undoing and rebuilding his music’s structures," 4 Aug. 2017
But then, lovingly and in unison, the enemies lower their national flags.

— The Economist, "Hissing cousinsWhy India and Pakistan hate each other," 22 July 2017
The teaser video on the Web site involves similar imagery: clowns in a cluster, swaying back and forth in unison.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Let’s Try to Decode the Meaning of American Horror Story: Cult," 21 July 2017

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

Did You Know?

This word usually appears in the phrase "in unison", which means "together, at the same time" or "at the same musical pitch". So an excited crowd responding to a speaker may shout in unison, and a group of demonstrators may chant in unison. The old church music called Gregorian chant was written to be sung in unison, with no harmonizing voices, and kindergarten kids always sing in unison (at least when they can all find the same pitch). In a similar way, an aerobics class moves in unison following the instructor, and a group or even a whole town may work in unison when everyone agrees on a common goal.

Origin and Etymology of unison

Middle English unisoun, from Middle French unisson, from Medieval Latin unisonus having the same sound, from Latin uni- + sonus sound — more at sound

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First Known Use: 15th century

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