anthem

noun

an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for anthem

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthem was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Anthem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthem. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

anthem

noun
an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
1
: a sacred composition with words usually from the Scriptures
2
: a song of praise or gladness

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