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

• hymn
• psalm

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kahan, known for his raw anthems, offers more insight into the inner workings of his heart in his lyrics than in public comments. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

From crunk anthems to clean eating and calm vibes, Lil Jon continues to redefine himself. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The track has always resonated with Verlander, less of an anthem and more of a mantra. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025

Indie veterans such as Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner, and Dan Nigro became era-defining pop producers by helping Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and other celebrities make introspective, quirky, rock-adjacent anthems. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Aug. 2025

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