overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
Synonyms of overtonenext
1
a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
b
: harmonic sense 2
2
: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3
: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation

Examples of overtone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Republican rival Rick Jackson has spent heavily portraying Bottoms’ Atlanta mayoralty as a failure, focusing on crime and 2020 protests — attacks some supporters say carry racial and gender overtones. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The mic is less impressive, though, with tinny overtones and a fairly quiet pickup. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Instead, overtones accumulate and churn and a loose banner of guitar is draped across the song. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026 The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels. — Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtone

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtone was in 1867

Rhymes for overtone

See All Rhymes for overtone

Browse Nearby Words

overtoil
overtone
Overton window
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone -ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
1
: any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2
: an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : suggestion
the words carried an overtone of menace

Medical Definition

overtone

noun
over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn How to pronounce overtone (audio)
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone

More from Merriam-Webster on overtone

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overtone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overtone

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