tune Hear it!

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tune definition

tune (to̵̅o̅n, tyo̵̅o̅n)

noun

  1. Obsolete a sound or tone
    1. a succession of musical tones forming a rhythmic, catchy whole; melody; air
    2. a musical setting of a hymn, psalm, poem, etc.
  3. the condition of having correct musical pitch, or of being in key; also, harmony; agreement; concord: now used chiefly in the phrases in tune and out of tune a violin that is in tune, a person out of tune with the times

Etymology: ME, var. of tone, tone

transitive verb tuned, tuning tun′·ing

  1. to adjust (a musical instrument) to some standard of pitch; put in tune
  2. to adapt (music, the voice, etc.) to some pitch, tone, or mood
  3. to adapt to some condition, mood, etc.; bring into harmony or agreement
  4. Now Rare to utter or express musically
    1. to adjust (a system, motor, etc.) to the proper or desired condition or performance
    2. to adjust (a radio or TV receiver) to a given frequency or channel

intransitive verb

to be in tune; harmonize
tune Idioms

call the tune

to direct proceedings; be in control

change one's tune

to change one's attitude or manner, as from scorn to respect

sing a different tune

to talk or act differently because of a change of attitude

to the tune of

Informal to the sum, price, or extent of

tune in

  1. to adjust a radio or television receiver to a given frequency or channel so as to receive (a specified station, program, etc.)
  2. ☆ Slang to become or make aware, knowing, hip, etc.

tune out

  1. to adjust a radio or TV receiver so as to eliminate (interference, a particular broadcasting station, etc.)
  2. Slang to turn one's attention, sympathies, etc. away from

tune up

  1. to adjust (musical instruments) to the same pitch, as in an orchestra
  2. to bring (an engine, etc.) to the proper condition or performance, as by replacing parts, making adjustments, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms tune idiom

tune Synonyms

tune

n.

melody, air, aria, song, harmony, strain, theme, piece, number, ditty, jingle, a few bars; see also melody 2, song.

call the tune*

be in control, direct, manage; see lead 1.

change one's tune*

change one's mind, alter one's actions, be transformed; see change 4,

sing a different tune*

change one's mind, alter one's actions, be transformed; see change 4. See syn. study at melody.


tune

v.

adjust the pitch, attune, put in tune, tune up, tighten the strings, use the tuning fork, set the tune; see also harmonize 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

tune Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • hum: From time to time sheâd hum a tune under her breath, but she didnât know she was doing it.

Adjective modifier

  • catchy: Matt Home gets a feature on ' Finder's Keepers ' - a catchy tune from Jonny in 5/4 time.

Noun used with modifier

  • hymn: Variation 1: Horn and bassoon in imitation retain the dignity of the hymn tune.
tune usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

tune quotes

I am not going to spend any time whatsoever attacking the Foreign Secretary.Quite honestly, I am beginning to feel extremely sorry for him. If we complain about the tune, there is no reason to attack the monkey when the organ grinder is present.

-Bevan, Aneurin

Different rhymes for different times Different styles for different climes Someday them rogues in Whitehall Be forced to change their tune.

-Brodber, Erna

O my Luve's like a red, red rose That's newly sprung in June; O my luve's like the melodie That's sweetly play'd in tune. As fair art thou, my bonie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my Dear, Till a'the seas gang dry. Till a'the seas gang dry, my Dear, And the rocks melt wi' the sun: O I will love thee still, my Dear, While the sands o' life shall run.

-Burns, Robert

tune quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"tune." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/tune>

APA Style

tune. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/tune

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