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

Partygoers in stilt-like heals and technicolor wings mingled as DJ Questlove spun pop classics, the walls shaking with bass from Gwen Stefani and Lizzo anthems, and at a corner booth Bethenny Frankel, clad in a Wonder Woman suit, twisted to the beat with one foot on the table. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

There are too many scenes amped up with anthem songs from the likes of Billy Idol, Gloria Estefan etc., and too many flatulence jokes. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Jordyn Simone and Joseph Solomon’s new wedding anthem to Ms Banks’s fiery comeback track. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024

For over two decades, Beyoncé’s music has contributed to important social commentary, providing anthems for marches and celebrations. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 25 Oct. 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