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

It is named after the traditional Korean folk song about longing and separation, often dubbed South Korea's unofficial national anthem.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Ritual, as mentioned, which in baseball includes the national anthem, first pitch, seventh-inning stretch, etc.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The title takes its name from a folk song about longing and separation that is often dubbed South Korea's unofficial national anthem.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

The album's title, Arirang, is also the name of Korea's most beloved folk song, a sentimental anthem about moving from hardship towards something better.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

We pick a fork high in a tree and settle in for the night just as the anthem begins to play.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody