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

Iran's players were silent for the anthem in their opening match against South Korea on 2 March.

From BBC

When players refused to sing the national anthem at a game in Australia, they set in motion a fateful series of events.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the following two games of the championship, against Australia and the Philippines, the players sang the national anthem and performed a salute.

From The Wall Street Journal

Certainly, the Russians are proud of their history and should leave it to the rest of us to interrupt their national anthem with anecdotes about Ivan’s rage.

From Salon

Those worries only grew after the team were seen singing the anthem in their two subsequent matches.

From BBC

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody