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

The sky cleared just as Nasdaq's opening anthem rolled across the yard, and Cook stepped forward to ring the bell. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026

Like all other private and public enterprises in Germany, these guilds now began their meetings with anthems and Hitler salutes. —Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026

David Bowie — whose transcendent anthems ring out at key moments in this production — might call them the people on the edge of the night. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026

Ashley Monroe releases a stirring declaration on disillusionment with the Nashville music industry, while Amy Grant and Ruby Amanfu team up for an anthem calling for unity, empathy and love. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026

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