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 of anthem

• hymn
• psalm

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Three celebrities are in the spotlight this month with very different stories — a World Cup anthem, a return from rehab and a candid admission about aging. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026

As the Champions League anthem echoed around Villa Park, Liverpool’s disconsolate players headed for the tunnel. —James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026

There's also a World Cup anthem, which Herrera says is typically played in more formal settings like the opening and closing ceremonies. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 15 May 2026

The singer, songwriter and actress also performed the anthem before the 2015 and 2024 races. —ABC News, 14 May 2026

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