harmony

noun

har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē How to pronounce harmony (audio)
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

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 Perhaps the couple sees that ring as symbolizing the welcome return of the harmony of their early engagement. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 The concept of a future workplace where AI and humans work in harmony is becoming increasingly common. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 Vocal director Stephen Guggenheim consistently receives a pleasing sound from the 11-member cast that serves up tight harmonies and solos. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 This is another plot twist in the story of what unraveled in your relationships, agreements, or desire for social harmony back in October. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024 Strive for omnichannel harmony: Break down silos between online, offline and mobile interactions, delivering a seamless and consistent personalized experience across all touchpoints. Angie Jenkins, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 With Morgan at the helm as lead vocalist, Morgan Heritage became well known for their soulful vocal delivery and foundational harmonies. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Forming in 2019, the group immediately located its sound; a dreamy tug of nostalgia, catchy choruses, wrapped in jangly guitar and up-front harmonies that remind of peak MGMT — minus the synths. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'harmony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of harmony was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near harmony

Cite this Entry

“Harmony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmony. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

harmony

noun
har·​mo·​ny ˈhär-mə-nē How to pronounce harmony (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on harmony

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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