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

Six new passports, three new anthems, and a dozen ways to say mine. —Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025

More Than a Song Over the past 25 years, Enter Sandman has become more than just a pre-game anthem. —Christina Daves, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

The fact that Queen would appear to be having more fun on this delightfully tongue-in-cheek anthem than the guys in the funniest music movie in the history of rock ‘n’ roll is quite the testament to the cheeky nature of this track. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025

One in particular has become an anthem. —Chloe Veltman, NPR, 21 Nov. 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