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

Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were minor scuffles in the stands and some booed the Israeli anthem, Reuters reported. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

The album doesn’t need the single anthems to accomplish his goal and make noise commercially as Tyler will be riding Chromakopia into another set of Grammy nominations in ‘26. —Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024

The song has become an anthem for the NY Mets and all of New York, with Candelita receiving a wave of positive media attention. —Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

In a set of standout musical performances on Saturday Night Live, pop star Chappell Roan channelled the Bride of Frankenstein and debuted a brand-new lesbian country anthem. —Samantha Allen, Them, 3 Nov. 2024

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