anthem

American  

[an-thuhm] / ˈæn θəm /

noun

1. a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism.

   the national anthem of Spain; our college anthem.

2. a piece of sacred vocal music, usually with words taken from the Scriptures.

3. a hymn sung alternately by different sections of a choir or congregation.

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verb (used with object)

1. to celebrate with or in an anthem.

anthem British  

/ ˈænθəm, ænˈθɛmɪk /

noun

1. a song of loyalty or devotion, as to a nation or college

   a national anthem

2. a musical composition for a choir, usually set to words from the Bible, sung as part of a church service

3. a religious chant sung antiphonally

4. a popular rock or pop song

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Other Word Forms

• anthemic adjective

Etymology

Origin of anthem

First recorded before 1000; Middle English antem, Old English antemn(e), antefne, from Late Latin antefana, antiphōna (feminine singular), from Greek antíphōna ( antiphon ); spelling with h probably by association with hymn, with pronunciation then changed to reflect spelling

Example Sentences

How much of the lyrics were understood by the Vietnamese at the time is up for debate, although the title and upbeat sound may have contributed to its popularity as a new year’s anthem.

From Salon

As their coffins rested in the hearse, we began to sing “Am Yisrael Chai,” the anthem of the Soviet Jewry movement.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It feels illegal," she frets, as her heartbeat races with the drumbeat of this smouldering dance-pop anthem.

From BBC

She has tackled tackled famous operas, hymns and sung the national anthem countless times.

From BBC

It’s 1977 and the radio’s on, so naturally the soundtrack to their drive is Donna Summer’s disco anthem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody