harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

plural harmonies

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 basictenets 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

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• symphony
• unity

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

The full moon phase is a symbol of culmination and completion, and in this particular case, around themes of fairness, compromise and emotional harmony. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Very well made with notable harmony, enjoy this with roast chicken, duck, and seafood such as tuna or salmon (just like Pinot Noir) over the next 3-5 years. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

The family trio has been singing together for more than 20 years, combining vocal harmony, humor and brass instruments in their performances. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025

Bacharach’s catchy but deceptively intricate melodies and harmonies attracted broad audiences and attentive musicians alike. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for harmony

• disharmony

Kids Definition

harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē 

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