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

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

With water, citrus overtones are more present, along with cherry Pez, charcoal, and some brioche french toast. —Chris Perugini, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Ulrich did not realize that the film had comedic overtones and went deep into his role, researching famous teen killers like Leopold and Loeb and the Menendez brothers. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The result was something closer to traditional rock, with Seventies arena overtones and hints of glam, once again a departure from King Gizzard’s past albums while sounding very much like themselves. —Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 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