anime

noun

an·​i·​me ˈa-nə-ˌmā How to pronounce anime (audio) ˈä-nē- How to pronounce anime (audio)
: 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
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Vinland Saga is for many reasons a modern anime masterpiece. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025 Over the years, the Fire Valkyrie has been given numerous toys, even back when its host anime was released in the 90s. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The raging, breakneck instrumentals and emotional vocals that are the quintessence of the band resonate perfectly with the anime’s story and the feelings of its main characters. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025 Why so little filler for such a long-running anime? Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anime

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, animation, short for animēshiyon, from English

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anime was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

anime

noun
an·​i·​me ˈan-ə-ˌmā How to pronounce anime (audio) ˈä-nē- How to pronounce anime (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on anime

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