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 of anthem

• hymn
• psalm

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mathisen’s paintings are draped over structures created by Nango, whose arcing wood elements mirror those seen in Sámi fishing villages, and a film by Eira in which Mathisen plays the Sámi anthem on the piano. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 May 2026

This is thanks to one video in which the reveal that the anthem duties are being done by the nation's premier fast-food spokesclown is done to perfection. —Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

The unconventional anthem clearly inspired the Knights, the triple-A affiliate for the Chicago White Sox, who went on to destroy the Stripers, 21-1. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

To see how a song born in a Santiago jam session became an anthem here, filling bars and stopping traffic at the airport, was extraordinary. —Sarah Moreno may 7, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

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