theme song

noun

plural theme songs
1
: a song or melody strongly associated with someone or something
a famous performer's theme song
the theme song of a political campaign
often : an identifying melody or song typically played at the beginning of a movie, television show, etc., and sometimes recurring during its course
Some of these shows were truly unforgettable, with catchy theme songs that are instantly recognizable decades later. Grant Butler
2
: a statement, expression, or opinion repeatedly heard from someone
But literary history is also entangled with criticism. Inevitably so; let me revert unblushingly to my theme song: in order to appreciate a masterpiece, we must be acquainted with its language …Albert Guerard

Examples of theme song in a Sentence

He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tapia de Veer told the New York Times that a clash about the Season 3 theme song was in part the catalyst for the decision to leave the buzzy show. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2025 Dawson's Creek: See EW's exclusive reunion photos Paula Cole, who of course sang the iconic Dawson's Creek theme song, was Ship last season. Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 In 1982, Hauser attracted attention for his role as an abusive pimp named Ramrod in the crime thriller Vice Squad, which also featured his voice singing the film’s theme song. Marc Berman, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Super Team Canada from Arnett’s Electric Avenue and Thunderbird Entertainment’s Atomic Cartoons is written by Emmy winners Robert Cohen and Joel H. Cohen (The Big Bang Theory) and has Bryan Adams writing and performing the theme song. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theme song

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theme song was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Theme song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme%20song. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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