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

GKids re-release of the classic 1997 anime thriller Perfect Blue in a new 4K restoration grossed $718k on 471 screens. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2025

The unexpected September hit that broke anime movie records has Hollywood weighing future releases of what some consider a niche genre. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, the story mode allows players to explore the anime’s iconic world in new cinematics, all leading up to the Final War’s climactic clash between the One For All and All For One. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

The new iPhone app taps into the appeal of being able to make a video of yourself doing just about anything that can be imagined, in styles ranging from anime to highly realistic. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

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)