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

During the events, roaring anthems from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, The Killers, Bad Bunny, Britney Spears and others are set to clips from Heated Rivalry. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

It’s even been adopted as an anthem of gay pride, thanks to its themes of acceptance and love. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2026

For their next concert, the VocalEssence choirs will recall the civil rights movement through anthems, spirituals and more. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2026

The crowd sings along to pulse-thumping anthems from Britney Spears, Charli XCX and Bad Bunny, with a Paramore sing-along thrown in for everyone’s inner emo babe. —Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 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