theme song

noun

plural theme songs

1

: a song or melody strongly associated with someone or something

a famous performer's theme song

the theme song of a political campaign

often : an identifying melody or song typically played at the beginning of a movie, television show, etc., and sometimes recurring during its course

Some of these shows were truly unforgettable, with catchy theme songs that are instantly recognizable decades later.

—Grant Butler

2

: a statement, expression, or opinion repeatedly heard from someone

But literary history is also entangled with criticism. Inevitably so; let me revert unblushingly to my theme song: in order to appreciate a masterpiece, we must be acquainted with its language …

—Albert Guerard

Examples of theme song in a Sentence

He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”

Recent Examples on the Web

To make the show even more personal, Dillard Bassett recorded an original theme song for the series. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

The Department of Homeland Security used the Pokémon theme song, slogan, and font in a video promoting ICE raids. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025

Pokémon said the Department of Homeland Security used its theme song and images in a recent social media post without permission from the company. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

Plus, Hilton sings the show's theme song. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for theme song

• evensong
• livelong
• overlong
• vietcong
• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong