undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

2

: a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

Examples of undertone in a Sentence

She commented in an undertone that the music was really not very good.

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

The fabric is a rich brown color with undertones of red.

Recent Examples on the Web

The wine offers intense blackberry, mocha, and cassis aromas with subtle earthy undertones. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

For dark blondes and brunettes fighting against unwanted warm undertones in their hair, Pureology’s Color Fanatic combats brass and orange with a blue pigment. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025

The nose features a rich juniper aroma with hints of citrus and earthy undertones. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

For an all-over green kitchen, a pantry, or playroom, her go-tos are Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, a unique shade with gray, blue, and green, and Sherwin-Williams Retreat, a muted green with blue and gray undertones. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertone

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

Kids Definition

undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or quiet tone

2

: a faint color as seen through and changing another color