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

• canticle
• carol
• chorale
• hymn
• psalm
• spiritual

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like Carpenter, Roan’s own music in the years leading up to recent global success has been a mix of both earnestly confessional songs and big, bold arena-worthy pop anthems. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2024

The album features the first Poison Clan record in more than 30 years, and brings the Miami native into 2024 with a collection of bass-thumping trap beats, stripper anthems and even one jook song. —C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 4 July 2024

Here's a list of great American anthems to bump at your backyard BBQs on the Fourth of July. —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024

Sharing these rare inside accounts of how YouTube approaches a war anthem or just routine hate, sources hope, could finally bring the platform’s leadership to more consistent conclusions. —Paresh Dave, WIRED, 2 July 2024

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