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

Thus, for example, dramas with comedic overtones should be entered as dramas. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025

Yes, some might refer to those as the Orange, Cotton and Peach bowls, but this whole process has distinct NFL overtones. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Religious overtones Since the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pa., Trump has used increasingly religious rhetoric to describe himself. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024

Costello’s evocative, wonderfully observed debut novel Academy Street has overtones of Tóibín’s Brooklyn. —Tomi Obaro, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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