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

That came soon after the IOC recommended allowing Russian youth teams to compete with the country's flag and anthem. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

The World Cup doubles as a beauty pageant for each country’s fans, who strut around, sing their anthems, and try their best to look hot, happy, and, above all, passionate. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026

What once seemed like a cute ritual from a pleasant Nordic nation, happy to be in its first World Cup in 28 years, is now morphing into a global soccer power anthem. — Sean Gregory, Time, 6 July 2026

Since then, Becker has also shared videos of himself singing the anthem in the car with his kid and with other players. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 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