polytonality

1 of 2

noun

poly·​to·​nal·​i·​ty ˌpä-lē-tō-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce polytonality (audio)
: the simultaneous use of two or more musical keys
polytonal
ˌpä-lē-ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce polytonality (audio)
adjective
polytonally
ˌpä-lē-ˈtō-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce polytonality (audio)
adverb

polytonal

2 of 2

adjective

poly·​tonal ¦pälē How to pronounce polytonal (audio)
-lə̇+
: relating to or characterized by polytonality
exciting rhythms and polytonal harmonies—Time
polytonally
"+ How to pronounce polytonal (audio)
adverb

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

poly- + tonal

First Known Use

Noun

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polytonality was in 1923

Rhymes for polytonality

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Browse Nearby Words

polytonalist
polytonality
polytone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polytonality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polytonality. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on polytonality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polytonality

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