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

The music business was shocked when this raw rap anthem crashed into the U.S. Top 40, with zero crossover or compromise. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2024

The quintessential crunk anthem, produced by Lil Jon, boasts an explosive energy, heavy bass, and call-and-response style lyrics. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 17 June 2024

Johnson previously drew inspiration for the first Knives Out from a famous Radiohead track, while Glass Onion shares the same name as the 1968 Beatles anthem. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 June 2024

An anthem – without lyrics – has also been commissioned for use in medal ceremonies. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 11 June 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