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

But many leaders in Indian Country view the president’s apology as a huge step forward even if it was done with political overtones. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024

Candidates and pundits have cited political rhetoric with autocratic overtones as a primary threat to American democracy. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Aged for 18 months in American oak barrels and savored neat in a snifter, the flavor is soft and buttery with fruity overtones. —Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2024

Artifacts that would end up trimmed from a more traditional recording—blasts of static, spectral overtones, whirring feedback—form the weathered architecture at the center of Low’s compositions. —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 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