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

The beloved special was adapted from the book of the same name by Phyllis McGinley The special is remembered most especially for the characters of the Miser Brothers, Heat Miser and Snow Miser, who each had their own theme songs What if Santa Claus tried to take a Christmas off? —Victoria Edel, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Now this is a story all about...how Will Smith hated Quincy Jones' original theme song for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 4 Dec. 2024

The title track off the group’s fourth Japan single is being featured as the theme song for the NHK drama series Mirai no Watashi ni Bukkamasareru!?. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024

Additionally, Yoshiki has composed major studio film soundtracks and the official theme song for the Golden Globes. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1