unison

1 of 2

noun

uni·​son ˈyü-nə-sən 

-nə-zən

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

unison

2 of 2

adjective

1

: identical in musical pitch

unison singing

a unison passage

accompanied by unison strings

2

: producing pitches ordinarily associated with the keys played

one of the organ's unison stops

Phrases

in unison

1

: in perfect agreement : so as to harmonize exactly

a class reciting in unison

2

: at the same time : simultaneously

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.

Synonyms

Noun

• accord
• agreement
• concurrence
• concurrency
• consensus
• unanimity

Examples of unison in a Sentence

Noun

the members of the committee are in unison on this point

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The celestial event itself will have no effect on wireless networks but phone providers are preparing for potential disruptions as massive crowds will hold their cell phones skyward in unison to capture the moment. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

The senators all stand in unison and raise their right hand. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Sector Picking Traders aren’t expecting share prices to move in unison this earnings season. —Jess Menton, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2024

Suddenly the once-content birds snapped their heads erect and, as if someone sounded an alert, the birds flushed almost in unison and sailed far overhead and across a broad valley. —Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 3 Apr. 2024

The seats are also comfortable, ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the concert, but when the lights went down for this particular show, the audience shot up from their seats in unison to greet TLC with loud cheers. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2024

The sisters start yelling over each other, prompting the show's staff to intervene and every disappointed Black lady in the head to shake their head in unison. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024

Percussive footwork was multiplied in tight unison, groups moved in handsome lines and circles, castanets trilled and soloists broke out in displays of expertise. —Brian Seibert, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024

No rapper on planet earth could have white pre-teen girls and grown Black men singing along in unison. —Camellia Burris, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English unisoun, from Middle French unisson, from Medieval Latin unisonus having the same sound, from Latin uni- + sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unison

• in unison
• work in unison

Kids Definition

unison

noun

uni·​son ˈyü-nə-sən 

-zən

1

: sameness of musical pitch

2

: the condition of being tuned or sounded at the same pitch or at an octave

sing in unison rather than in harmony

3

: exact agreement : accord

all are in unison on the next move

Etymology

Noun

from early French unisson "having the same musical pitch," from Latin unisonus "having the same sound," from uni- "one" (from unus "one") and sonus "a sound" — related to sound entry 3, unite