1
a
b
: an agent (such as a drug) that increases body tone
c
: one that invigorates, restores, refreshes, or stimulates
a day in the country was a tonic for him
d
: a liquid preparation for the scalp or hair
e
chiefly New England
: a carbonated flavored beverage
2
: the first tone of a major or minor scale : keynote
3
: a voiced sound
1
a
: characterized by tonus
tonic contraction of muscle
also
: marked by prolonged muscular contraction
tonic convulsions
b
: producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (such as muscles)
2
a
: increasing or restoring physical or mental tone : refreshing
b
: yielding a tonic substance
3
: relating to or based on the first tone of a scale
tonic harmony
4
of a syllable
: bearing a principal stress or accent
5
: of or relating to speech tones or to languages using them to distinguish words otherwise identical
Examples of tonic in a Sentence
Adjective
breathe in clear tonic mountain air
never underestimate the tonic power of humor on a sick person
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
The Higitus Figitus — Italian gin, balsamic vermouth, basil, lemon and tonic — might just be my new favorite warm-weather drink.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026
Flamboyant but mature - Krishnamurthi is also starting to handle with ease his growing media commitments - the talented youngster might just be the tonic American cricket needs to start making waves at home and beyond.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tonic
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Noun
Savvy locals love the museum's trendy terrace cafe, which serves great gin & tonics.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
The Higitus Figitus — Italian gin, balsamic vermouth, basil, lemon and tonic — might just be my new favorite warm-weather drink.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The sense of loving care and artistic sureness which characterizes every aspect of the movie is extremely tonic.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026
Flamboyant but mature - Krishnamurthi is also starting to handle with ease his growing media commitments - the talented youngster might just be the tonic American cricket needs to start making waves at home and beyond.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tonic
Cite this Entry
“Tonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tonic
1 of 2 adjective
ton·ic
ˈtän-ik 
1
: making (as the mind or body) stronger or healthier
2
: relating to or based on the first tone of a scale
tonic chord
tonic harmony
tonic
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a medicine that increases body tone
b
: a liquid to be used on the hair or scalp
c
chiefly New England
: soda pop
d
2
: the first tone of a scale
Medical Definition
tonic
1 of 2 adjective
ton·ic
ˈtän-ik
1
a
: characterized by tonus
tonic contraction of muscle
also
: marked by or being prolonged muscular contraction
tonic convulsions
b
: producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (as muscles)
2
a
: increasing or restoring physical or mental tone
b
: yielding a tonic substance
tonic
2 of 2 noun
: an agent (as a drug) that increases body tone
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