plural overtones
1
: an idea or quality that is suggested without being said directly
Their words carried an overtone [=hint, suggestion] of menace.
racist/political overtones
2
: a very small amount of something
The wine has overtones of fruitiness. [=hints of the taste of fruit]
3
music
: a higher tone that is part of the sound of a musical note
Cite this Entry
“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/overtone. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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