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

The line missing from that anthem of hope is that most of those would-be stars do not make it there. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 30 July 2026

Boy that served as the event’s anthem this time around, remains one of the biggest hits in the world. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

This is about marching behind a singular flag and singing a singular anthem. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026

From the fragmented breakup anthems to the formulaic moodboard fodder, nothing on Steve Lacy’s new album seems to come naturally. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 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