intonation
noun
in·to·na·tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən 
-(ˌ)tō-
1
: manner of utterance
specifically : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech
2
: something that is intoned
specifically : the opening tones of a Gregorian chant
3
: the act of intoning and especially of chanting
4
: the ability to play or sing notes in tune
Examples of intonation in a Sentence
identical sentences, differing only in intonation
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to the instrumentation, she also was inspired to try jazz singing after spending time with Chet Baker’s catalog and favoring his style of intonation. —
Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 13 Apr. 2026 Speakers from the country’s western areas, like Osaka and Kyoto, use different intonation and verb forms than those in the eastern Tokyo metro. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 Slayyyter shimmies onto the beat like an amoral John Waters heroine, cruising over the choppy momentum while recounting a toxic love affair in gasping Fred Schneider intonation. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 After proving a score, TruthScan lists factors such as unnatural speech patterns, generative signatures, and artificial intonation. —Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 13 Apr. 2026 Speakers from the country’s western areas, like Osaka and Kyoto, use different intonation and verb forms than those in the eastern Tokyo metro. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 Slayyyter shimmies onto the beat like an amoral John Waters heroine, cruising over the choppy momentum while recounting a toxic love affair in gasping Fred Schneider intonation. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 After proving a score, TruthScan lists factors such as unnatural speech patterns, generative signatures, and artificial intonation. —Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Cite this Entry
“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/intonation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intonation
noun
in·to·na·tion ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act of intoning
also : something intoned
2
: the ability to play or sing music in tune
3
: the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech
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