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

Among his many successes, one track stands out as his defining anthem — a sing-along classic instantly recognizable after just a few notes. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The crowd, which stayed silent for most of her set, sang along to almost every word of the nostalgic Disney Channel anthem. —Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025

As the joyful anthem played aloud, more than 800 representatives from 40 Texas community colleges gathered in the celebratory scene, defined by suits and selfies, free tacos and binders filled with talking points. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

The songs—written mainly by Noel, with a setlist that doesn’t deviate far from the band’s first two landmark albums, and so far hasn’t varied at all—are the kind of anthems that made all 90,000 people at Wembley jump up and down together, singing every lyric. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 28 July 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