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

The AfD, born in 2013 in opposition to the country’s bailouts of fellow European Union members after the financial crisis, had quickly evolved to focus on resisting the migrant surge that began nearly a decade ago, with frequently nationalistic and racist overtones. —Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2024

This body extension, with its S&M-like overtones, epitomizes the erotic quality of many of Horn’s works. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2024

Pic has awareness because of Wilson’s highly public dispute with her producers, but insiders say there is a real film here, a musical about a town’s annual debutante ball that has satirical overtones. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024

Rarely has a compliment carried such unsettling overtones. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Sep. 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