harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

plural harmonies

1

a

: the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord

She taught him how to sing harmony.

b

: the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords

a song with complicated harmonies and rhythms

c

: the science of the structure, relation, and progression of chords

2

a

: pleasing arrangement of parts : congruence

a painting exhibiting harmony of color and line

b

: agreement, accord

The standard we sanction today is in harmony with the most basic tenets of our law.

—Heighs Implement Co. v. Missouri Hwy and Transp. Commn, 859 S.W.2d 681 (1993)

c

: internal calm : tranquility

a period of relative harmony

3

a

: an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative

b

: a systematic arrangement of parallel literary passages (as of the Gospels) for the purpose of showing agreement or harmony

4

archaic : tuneful sound : melody

Synonyms of harmony

• symmetry
• orchestration
• balance
• proportion
• unity

Examples of harmony in a Sentence

a song with complicated harmonies and rhythms

her face had an angelic harmony that fascinated the leading painters of her day

Recent Examples on the Web

The banquet room of an Elgin restaurant resonated with those words at the conclusion of a rousing tune featuring four-part barbershop harmony. — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Enduring principles can be enhanced by the essential replenishment of ideas — notions that might seem to contradict but that also sure can live in harmony. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026

Classic Motown posted a tribute to the singer on Thursday, writing that her harmonies served as the soundtrack to a generation. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Other highlights of the garden party included a pair of dynamic floral rugs—one that sprouts blooms beyond its edges, and another carved into an organic silhouette—that appeared in harmony with their natural surroundings. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English armony, from Anglo-French armonie, from Latin harmonia, from Greek, joint, harmony, from harmos joint — more at arm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Rhymes for harmony

• disharmony

Kids Definition

harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

plural harmonies

1

a

: the combination of musical notes played together as chords

b

: the structure of music with respect to the way it is written and to the way notes are grouped as chords

c

: the science of harmony

2

a

: pleasing or suitable arrangement of parts

b

: agreement sense 1b

lives in harmony with nature