Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

leading tone

American  
[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

noun

Music.
  1. the seventh degree of a diatonic scale; subtonic.


Etymology

Origin of leading tone

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Old coloured prints need narrow black passepartout, while broad passepartout in pink, blue or pale green to match the leading tone in wall paper makes your quaint, old black-and-white prints very decorative.

From The Art of Interior Decoration by Wood, Grace

In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann

Si, sē, n. the syllable used for the seventh tone of the scale, or the leading tone.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Thus the color which was the leading tone of one room became the relieving tint of another.

From Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau by Balzac, Honoré de

The color of blood is this plainly taken for the leading tone in the storm-clouds above the "Slave-ship."

From Modern Painters, Volume IV (of V) by Ruskin, John

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "leading tone" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com