signature tune

American  

noun

1. theme song.

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signature tune British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US and Canadian): theme song.  a melody used to introduce or identify a television or radio programme, a dance band, a performer, etc

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Etymology

Origin of signature tune

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

signature tune

Every brood contains a minimum of three or a maximum of four of cicada species — each species with its own signature tune.

From Salon ● May 16, 2024

Langston Hughes’s poems were featured on posters in my local library, and everybody knew Duke Ellington because of his signature tune, “Take the A Train,” written by Billy Strayhorn.

From New York Times ● Apr. 5, 2024

Including this album, which contains the signature tune “Rebel, Rebel,” would have resulted in a well-deserved streak from 1971 to 1976.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2022

Let It Go, Elsa's signature tune, was named best original song at the Oscars in 2014.

From BBC ● Mar. 8, 2022

In the Ring, every character has his or her own leitmotif, or signature tune.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall