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

• hymn
• psalm

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And on 57 minutes, Mark’s photograph was displayed on The Hawthorns’ two big screens, with supporters delivering a chorus of the club’s traditional anthem, The Lord’s My Shepherd. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

The alt-rock band was in fine form throughout the 90-minute, 18-song set which was chockful of soaring anthems dating back to the 2000s. —George A. Paul, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025

Across the past decade, HARDY has become one of Nashville’s most prolific, versatile voices, a songwriter and artist who can put forth a twangy country anthem as easily as a bone-rattling rock song. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025

Vie delivers a few of the most believable throwback anthems of the year. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

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