This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
unison
[ yoo-nuh-suhn, -zuhn ]
/ ˈyu nə sən, -zən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
coincidence in pitch of two or more musical tones, voices, etc.
the musical interval of a perfect prime.
the performance of musical parts at the same pitch or at the octave.
a sounding together in octaves, especially of male and female voices or of higher and lower instruments of the same class.
a process in which all elements behave in the same way at the same time; simultaneous or synchronous parallel action: to march in unison.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Idioms about unison
in unison, in perfect accord; corresponding exactly: My feelings on the subject are in unison with yours.
Origin of unison
OTHER WORDS FROM unison
non·u·ni·son, nounWords nearby unison
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use unison in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for unison (1 of 2)
unison
/ (ˈjuːnɪsən, -zən) /
noun
music
- the interval between two sounds of identical pitch
- (modifier) played or sung at the same pitchunison singing
complete agreement; harmony (esp in the phrase in unison)
Derived forms of unison
unisonous, unisonal or unisonant, adjectiveWord Origin for unison
C16: from Late Latin ūnisonus, from uni- + sonus sound
British Dictionary definitions for unison (2 of 2)
UNISON
/ (ˈjuːnɪsən) /
noun
(in Britain) a trade union representing local government, health care, and other workers: formed in 1993 by the amalgamation of COHSE, NALGO, and NUPE
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for unison
unison
Playing or singing the same musical notes, or notes separated from each other by one or several octaves. Musicians who perform in unison are not playing or singing chords.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.