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

Introduced by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, Smith rocked the Love Is Blind stage with his stomp-clap anthem alongside a full live band while the season 9 contestants made their way inside the venue listening to the catchy tune. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025

Quarterback Mahomes was seen standing mostly still, swaying a bit with his hands behind his back during the anthem. —Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

Dressed to the nines, Courtnie and Josh tied the knot in heartwarming fashion, and then proceeded to the reception, where the wedding party was introduced to the sounds of the the anthem for the Chicago Bulls. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025

These democracy activists demonstrated on behalf of one another, sang one another’s protest anthems, shared writings and strategies, and even adopted the three-finger salute of the fictional Hunger Games rebel Katniss Everdeen. —Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 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