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

Fans in the away end were clambering over each other to sing their anthem about travelling to the Basque country, growing loud on loop in the second half as the game drifted, while Ruben Amorim made his selections and substitutions with the showpiece occasion on Wednesday in mind. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Swift was booed by Eagles fans at the latest Super Bowl, but the anthem surely is something all would rally around, whatever someone’s political or team allegiances. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 May 2025

At what point in the creative process did that song transform into more of an anthem for your entire career? —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 15 May 2025

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 has something for everyone, from the Netherland’s dance-floor-ready resilience anthem and Estonia’s inspirational reminders about caffeine to Malta’s Wendy Williams-inspired glam pop and Sweden’s own version of the Lonely Island. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 May 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