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

For the several months prior to the upbeat anthem’s arrival, all the members of the group had delivered solo projects, and some of them made history on the Billboard charts with multiple successful singles and high-rising full-length efforts. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Italian brainrot anthems infest Spotify Viral 50 charts across the world, from Denmark to Sweden to Peru to the Czech Republic. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

The honor fell to Rival Son’s majestic vocalist Jay Buchanan, who took the stage barefoot, in a maroon suit, and proceeded to devour the angry rock anthem. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025

There is a stiff-upper-lip-ness to their personal and stage personas that gives at least the appearance of an edge to the anthems. —Chris Willman, Variety, 8 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