rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryunisonSynchronized action
noun

unison

YOO-nih-sun/ˈjuːnɪsn/

The simultaneous sounding of an identical pitch.

The two violins play in unison, sounding exactly the same pitch.

Two rowers in a double scull pull their oars in unison, with matching body positions, parallel oar shafts and paired splashes visibly establishing simultaneous action.
Etymology
uniLatinone
+sonLatinsound

The image is of several voices producing one sound at the same pitch. This musical agreement became a figure for people acting together or agreeing.

In context

Mind Pump Show3:44
you do like up downs and then you do push-ups and you do sit-ups you do all these things together in unison almost like a military
1594: Training Special Ops Service Members, Pregnancy & Training, & More (Listener Live Coaching)

More examples

  • The choir sings the opening note in unison.
  • Flute and oboe meet in unison on the final note.
  • The melody begins in unison before the singers split into harmony.

Forms

unison