tonality UK /təʊnˈæl.ɪ.tiː/US /toʊnˈæl.ɪ.ti/ noun4 •The system of seven tones built on a tonic key; the 24 major and minor scales. •The quality of all the tones in a composition heard in relation to the tonic. •A sound of specific pitch and quality; timbre. •The interrelation of the tones in a painting. formstonalities