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

• canticle
• carol
• chorale
• hymn
• psalm
• spiritual

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The band again revisited Guthrie’s collection of unpublished songs for Okemah Rising, showcasing a more humorous side of Guthrie’s lyrical wit into adaptations that feel tailor-made for the working class anthems and stories of protest that often inhabit the Dropkick Murphys’ music. —Dave Brooks, Billboard, 16 May 2023

Needless to say, these songs have become anthems for women who have gone through heartbreak and betrayal — but the backlash from their exes indicate the men in these situations would like their wrongdoings to stay in the private realm. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 11 May 2023

Since the 1720s, the principal coronation anthem has been Zadok the Priest, by Handel — George Frideric Handel, who was born Georg Friedrich Händel and became an honorary Englishman. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 May 2023

The king has also selected 12 new pieces of music for the service, including a coronation anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber. —Catherine Garcia, The Week, 2 May 2023

Aviance, then 10, was drawn to its infectious bass rhythm, the sweeping strings and horns and, of course, Gaynor’s soaring vocals, which made the song an enduring anthem of empowerment and resilience — particularly in the LGBTQ community. —Janay Kingsberry, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2023

The quintessential Southern anthem gave Haynes, Gibbons and Slash room to stretch out on solos. —Matt Wake | [e-mail], al, 4 Apr. 2023

The Cunninghams were impressed that the Prince and Princess of Wales knew the words, singing the anthem heartily when the band played towards the end of the parade. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023

The pair’s songs are Frankenstein monsters of trap-rap percussion, nu-metal menace and the macabre preoccupations of horrorcore — full-id, no-shelter anthems about death and destruction. —Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 10 May 2023

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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

• 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