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

The Heisei-era series that began in 2000 handed the franchise down from parents to children, while events, merchandise, manga, anime and stage shows have since carried it to a third generation. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

The company is currently developing anime Gosu with Japan’s Toei Animation, and those international partnerships are key to Kwon. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

In Japan, this genre has been explored quite thoroughly in anime or animation, but it’s never really been done in live-action. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

The anime premiered in 1989 in Japan and was syndicated in the United States on Cartoon Network from 1998 until 2008. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 5 Nov. 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
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

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)