anthem

noun

an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm 

1

: a song or hymn of praise or gladness

a patriotic anthem

2

: a usually rousing popular song that typifies or is identified with a particular subculture, movement, or point of view

anthems of teenage angst

3

a

: a psalm or hymn sung antiphonally or responsively

b

: a sacred vocal composition with words usually from the Scriptures

anthemic

ˌan(t)-ˈthē-mik 

-ˈthe-

adjective

Synonyms

• canticle
• carol
• chorale
• hymn
• psalm
• spiritual

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This year was largely defined by pop stars who rewrote the rules, genre outlaws who succeeded in new territory and a rap beef that gave us a unifying anthem. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024

In 2023, the Associated Press reported that the holiday anthem earned $100 million in royalties annually. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

The empowering anthem is bold and blunt and needs to be a morning affirmation for Black women everywhere. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Dylan also rejected being a political figure — even though his songs became political anthems. —Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antem, from Old English antefn, from Late Latin antiphona, from Late Greek antiphōna, plural of antiphōnon, from Greek, neuter of antiphōnos responsive, from anti- + phōnē sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing anthem

• national anthem

Kids Definition

anthem

noun

an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm 

1

: a sacred composition with words usually from the Scriptures

2

: a song of praise or gladness