anime

noun

an·​i·​me ˈa-nə-ˌmā  ˈä-nē- 

: a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes

Examples of anime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With this year being the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Ball anime, we’ve been graced with a new video scored by Hans Zimmer and details on a new anime series. —Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Under the Dome restaurant performing music from dozens of anime films and series. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

Then there’s their out-of-this-world visual identity referencing everything from anime to streetwear to space aliens. —Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

The anime consumer show, will return to Tokyo for its 13th edition in March. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, animation, short for animēshiyon, from English

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anime

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

anime

noun

an·​i·​me ˈan-ə-ˌmā  ˈä-nē- 

: a style of animation originating in Japan that has stark colorful graphics, action-filled plots, and often fantastic or futuristic themes

Etymology

from Japanese, literally, "animation," short for animēshiyon (from English)