harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē How to pronounce harmony (audio)
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 basictenets 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

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 Her holistic program transcends successful pregnancies, helping 95% or more of the women under her care improve their overall health, achieve hormonal harmony, and enhance their mental and emotional wellbeing. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023 Jennifer Prescott, former supervisor of vehicle harmony at Lincoln, recalled reaching out to the DSO about the project, fearing the musicians would balk at the idea. Marcos Chin, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 Photo: Courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli Since launching his brand in 1978 Cucinelli has been dedicated to the creation of wearable harmony: an infinite progression of serene human facades, all defined by an interplay of tone, texture, and proportion. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2023 Finn’s admiration for singers is obvious in his ensemble numbers, which always allow individual performers to shine as characters as well as singers, while featuring glorious harmonies. Terry Byrne, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023 Five Stalks: success or balance, peace, harmony, and power in all areas of your life. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023 Having the right blend of hard and soft elements keeps the appearance and energy of the room in harmony. Molly Miller, House Beautiful, 29 Aug. 2023 Circling guitars and wafting synths are grounded by a resolute rhythm section and sweetened by Neil Halstead’s drowsy lead vocals alongside Rachel Goswell’s supernal harmonies, with the entire mix soaring and falling across the album’s eight melancholy and hopeful songs. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2023 The serenity and simplicity of their lives in harmony with the cycles of nature, and the ecological balance of the area, with its untouched woodlands, mountains and lakes, are jeopardized by corporate plans to build a luxury camping site there as an escape for city dwellers. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'harmony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of harmony was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near harmony

Cite this Entry

“Harmony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmony. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

harmony

noun
har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē How to pronounce harmony (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on harmony

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