harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē How to pronounce harmony (audio)
plural harmonies
Synonyms of harmony
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 basic tenets 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
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.
But the latter’s crisply executed harmonies are but one of multiple examples of what splendid singing suffuses this production. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026 For instance, country singer Eric Church said life, like a guitar, needs everything working in harmony from family to faith to community. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026 The ballad’s main features include a basic verse/chorus structure, slow tempo, lyrical melodic lines, rich harmonies, and accompaniment that support those melodies. Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2026 Strava Muscle Maps As well as being consistent with an increase in the popularity of strength training, even as an add-on discipline for runners and cyclists, the improvement in Strava’s muscle maps feature is in harmony with wearable tech itself. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for harmony

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

Cite this Entry

“Harmony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmony. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster