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REFERENCE

tune

n. · v.
US //ˈtun// UK //tjˈuːn// tune
  1. 1 a melody (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a series of musical notes that are pleasant and easy to remember.

    a sequence of musical notes that form a distinct melody or theme.

    Example

    I have a catchy tune stuck in my head after hearing it on the radio.

    Example

    The composer took a simple folk tune and developed it into a complex orchestral movement.
  2. 2 a song (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Music

    a piece of music, especially a popular song.

    a musical composition, often used informally to refer to a specific track or song.

    Example

    The DJ played a great tune and everyone started dancing.

    Example

    The band performed several new tunes from their upcoming album during the soundcheck.
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  1. 3 correct pitch (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    the state of a musical instrument playing the right notes.

    the state of being at the correct pitch or frequency.

    Example

    The piano is out of tune and needs a professional to fix it.

    Example

    The choir struggled to stay in tune during the difficult a cappella section of the performance.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrases 'in tune' or 'out of tune'.
  2. 4 to adjust an instrument (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    to adjust a musical instrument so it plays the correct notes.

    to adjust the pitch of a musical instrument to a standard or to other instruments.

    Example

    The guitarists spent a few minutes tuning their instruments before the show.

    Example

    Before the concert began, the lead violinist played a concert A to help the rest of the orchestra tune.
  3. 5 to adjust a machine (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to adjust a machine or engine so it works as well as possible.

    to adjust a mechanical or electronic device for optimal performance or frequency.

    Example

    He spent the weekend tuning his car engine for the upcoming race.

    Example

    The technician had to tune the receiver to the correct frequency to eliminate the background static.
Origin

From Middle English tune, an unexplained variant of tone, from Old French ton, from Latin tonus, from Ancient Greek τόνος (tónos, “a tone”). Doublet of tone, ton, and tonus.

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