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

And perhaps not much more needs to be said about where one of the most iconic anthems devoted to human kindness lands anew in the current American climate, although much could. —Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026

Athletes wore a neutral uniform with the Olympic flag, and the Olympic anthem was played during their medal ceremonies. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 27 Jan. 2026

Hers was the kind of salt-of-the-earth family often celebrated in the anthems of The Homeland. —Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026

Inside the arena, the rally opened with local Native American activist Vincent Dionne singing the anthem of the American Indian Movement, which was founded in Minneapolis in 1968. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 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