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
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
Other objections to the statue include its clogging up the Museum Way traffic artery and potentially sexist overtones, citing frequent tourist pictures taken up the statue's billowing dress.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2024
There’s vibrations and overtones and things that happen.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 31 July 2024
There's plenty to assess: hair color, eye color, complexion, overtones, undertones (a major factor) and facial features.
—Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 10 July 2024
The sizzling clip shows young Dexter with his father (Slater) getting ready for another beautiful Miami day with fantastically sinister overtones.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overtone 
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2024
There’s vibrations and overtones and things that happen.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 31 July 2024
There's plenty to assess: hair color, eye color, complexion, overtones, undertones (a major factor) and facial features.
—Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 10 July 2024
The sizzling clip shows young Dexter with his father (Slater) getting ready for another beautiful Miami day with fantastically sinister overtones.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overtone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overtone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overtone
Cite this Entry
“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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