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

If El Camino Real could only transport a piano to the baseball field, the December boys probably would deliver a cool national anthem.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a performance of the sixth verse of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, as it was deemed to be more universal and less patriotic.

From BBC

The crowd at Montreal's Bell Centre for that game loudly booed the US national anthem pre-game - an issue which will be avoided in Milan.

From BBC

"From 'El Malo' to anthems that defined generations, his work wasn't just music, it was identity, neighborhood, consciousness, and resistance."

From BBC

Despite scoring three UK number one albums, Fender had never had a number one single until now, with perhaps his best known anthem, Seventeen Going Under, peaking at number three in 2021.

From BBC

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody