minor key

noun

1
: a musical key or tonality in the minor mode
2
: a mood of melancholy or pathos
3
: a restrained manner : a small or limited scale
the high moments of social life on the farm … are in a decidedly minor keyDon Murray
art in Australia … reflected English traditions in a minor keyBernard Smith

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near minor key

Cite this Entry

“Minor key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20key. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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