First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tune
noun \ˈtün, ˈtyün\
: a series of musical notes that produce a pleasing sound when played or sung
Full Definition of TUNE
1
a archaic : quality of sound : tone b : manner of utterance : intonation; specifically : phonetic modulation
2
a : a pleasing succession of musical tones : melody b : a dominant theme
3
: correct musical pitch or consonance —used chiefly in the phrases in tune and out of tune
4
See tune defined for English-language learners
See tune defined for kids
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Origin of TUNE
Middle English, from Anglo-French tun, tuen tone
Related to TUNE
- Antonyms
- conflict, disagreement, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness
Other Music Terms
2tune
verb
: to adjust (a musical instrument) so that it makes the correct sound when played
: to make small changes to (something) in order to make it work better
: to adjust (a radio or television) so that it receives a broadcast clearly
tunedtun·ing
Full Definition of TUNE
transitive verb
1
: to adjust in musical pitch or cause to be in tune <tuned her guitar>
2
a : to bring into harmony : attune b : to adjust for precise functioning —often used with up <tune up an engine> c : to make more precise, intense, or effective
3
: to adjust with respect to resonance at a particular frequency: as a : to adjust (a radio or television receiver) to respond to waves of a particular frequency —often used with in b : to establish radio contact with <tune in a directional beacon>
4
: to adjust the frequency of the output of (a device) to a chosen frequency or range of frequencies; also : to alter the frequency of (radiation)
intransitive verb
1
: to become attuned
2
: to adjust a radio or television receiver to respond to waves of a particular frequency
See tune defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TUNE
15th century
TUNE Defined for Kids
1tune
noun \ˈtün, ˈtyün\
Definition of TUNE for Kids
1
: a series of pleasing musical tones : melody
2
: correct musical pitch or key <We were singing out of tune.>
4
: general attitude <They changed their tune when they knew all the facts.>
— tune·ful \-fəl\ adjective
2tune
verb
tunedtun·ing
Definition of TUNE for Kids
1
: to adjust a radio or television so that it receives clearly
2
: to adjust in musical pitch <I tuned my guitar.>
3
: to come or bring into harmony
4
: to put (as an engine) in good working order Hint:This sense is often used with up.
— tun·er noun
— tune out
: to ignore what is happening or being said
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