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

So, with stirring anthems like Wicker Woman and Wild Horse on her setlist, has she been tempted to leap off the stage?

From BBC

Protesters adopted his song Nepal Haseko – which means Smiling Nepal – as one of their anthems.

From BBC

"I managed to look at him while the anthem was going and his jaw was on the floor. That's a funny memory that sticks with me."

From BBC

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

The broadcaster ended her final programme with Helen Reddy's feminist anthem I Am Woman.

From BBC

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody