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 of anthem

• hymn
• psalm

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her recent collaborations include a live performance with Alanis Morissette and a duet with Robbie Williams for the first official FIFA anthem. —Billboard Italy, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2025

The song became a global feminist anthem, and the video a touchstone for her unmistakable style. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

Even Paul McCartney acknowledged how Joe had transformed his Beatles classic [‘With a Little Help From My Friends’] into a soul anthem. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025

As the crowd roared, fellow inductees Salt-N-Pepa rushed the stage to join the joyful anthem. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 9 Nov. 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