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

This week’s crop of new music finds Luke Combs and Bailey Zimmerman pairing up on a hard-charging anthem about grit and determination. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 May 2025

At the Big Ass Stadium Tour kick off, Post Malone and Jelly Roll kept the anthems and beer flowing for 3 ½ hours at Rice-Eccles Stadium on April 29. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 May 2025

Encouraged by Arteta, fan groups and Arsenal staff have collaborated on a series of innovations to raise the decibel level — everything from a pre-match anthem to a brief affair with a drum in the Clock End. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Now, Jaehyun returns the favor, drizzling his honeyed tenor vocals alongside Azad and Vali’s signature grooves for a twilight-tinged anthem that brings the best of West Coast cool and K-pop polish. —Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 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