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
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
Albert GuerardExamples of theme song in a Sentence
He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”
Recent Examples on the Web
The track interpolates Ennio Morricone’s theme song from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Prompted by Proust’s musical sensibility, this season will also continually rework The Cosmic Library’s own theme song, turning to music in a way that might—the hope is—advance the show to new intensities.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theme song
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Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Prompted by Proust’s musical sensibility, this season will also continually rework The Cosmic Library’s own theme song, turning to music in a way that might—the hope is—advance the show to new intensities.
—Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theme song
Cite this Entry
“Theme song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme%20song. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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