anthem

noun

an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
Synonyms of anthemnext
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 How to pronounce anthem (audio)
-ˈthe-
adjective

Synonyms

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Examples of anthem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While Hamilton mostly features hip hop and rap, 3 Summers of Lincoln is more traditionally Broadway, filled with anthems, ballads and enough catchy songs to eventually earn it a Tony nomination. — Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 In the 1960s, Bob Dylan dropped an American anthem with Like a Rolling Stone, and by 1969, Gap was selling jeans and records in its first store — two moments that shaped and bridged culture gaps for generations to come. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 The song, which was written about the birth of lead singer Dan Wilson’s daughter and has over the years become an end-of-the-night anthem, is featured in a clip posted to the White House‘s socials depicting a man in handcuffs being deported by border patrol. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 The groovy anthem is about embracing a moment that’s long overdue. — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anthem

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthem was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing anthem

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anthelmintic
anthem
-anthema
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Cite this Entry

“Anthem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthem. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

anthem

noun
an·​them ˈan(t)-thəm How to pronounce anthem (audio)
1
: a sacred composition with words usually from the Scriptures
2
: a song of praise or gladness

More from Merriam-Webster on anthem

Nglish: Translation of anthem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anthem

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