overtone

noun

over·​tone ˈō-vər-ˌtōn 

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

With overtones of the spooky spoon bit in the horror movie Get Out, the singer stirs a cup of tea and then lets go as the spoon continues its circles without her. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025

The palate has similar aromas with overtones of white strawberry, lemon chai, and pepper. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Engineered to meet the nuanced demands of live and studio performances, the DT 73 IE delivers natural bass and mid-range with precise treble overtones. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Mildly smoky with overtones of fresh tropical fruit and sweet spice somewhat reminiscent of a fruit punch, this is indeed a mezcal for special occasions and is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature. —Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overtone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

overtone

noun

over·​tone -ˌtōn 

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 

: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone