Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characterized by tone, especially in music, art, or literature.

“The tonal nuances of the piano piece were difficult to capture.”

2. noun

a tone or series of tones used in music, especially one that is characteristic of a particular instrument, style, or period.

“The jazz band’s tonal quality added to the lively atmosphere of the club.”

3. noun

the quality of being or sounding musical.

“The painting had a tonal quality that was both soothing and uplifting.”

4. noun

a particular tone or quality of voice.

“Her tonal inflections conveyed a sense of excitement and wonder.”

5. noun

a unit of pitch, such as a semitone or a whole tone.

“The musician had trouble with the tonal intervals in the complex composition.”