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

Toward the end of the anthem, Chenoweth, 56, held a long, opera-style high note to applause before concluding her rendition. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025

Frelick found the fan after the game and gave him a bat, bringing closure on a wild day that included another Crow-Armstrong home run, a Cubs comeback that fell short and an inspiring pregame performance of the Black anthem and the national anthem by the Leo High School choir. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025

The Club World Cup is up and running, with a walk-out anthem from singer Robbie Williams, no less. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2025

Stitching the clip with a few seconds of footage of the parade singer’s breathless live rendition of the self-love anthem — performed in front of a gathering on the National Mall — Lizzo then cuts to a shot of herself staring pointedly at the camera, looking perplexed and disgusted. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 June 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