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

The commission is also organizing a playlist of musical anthems celebrating America, a tech expo to highlight innovation, and a series of concerts celebrating American composers, performers, musicians and dancers. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 6 July 2025

Babyface followed, leading the crowd on a journey through some of R&B’s most beloved anthems. —Okla Jones, Essence, 5 July 2025

But the passing of time has, if anything, made the Oasis brand even stronger: British alternative rock groups just don’t write monumental anthems like these anymore. —Mark Sutherland, Variety, 4 July 2025

Iconic artists embrace country's growing popularity Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams comprise over 50 percent of the 18 anthems in the first of six weekly drops. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 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