noun

anthem

an-thuhm-AN-thuhm

noun

A formal, often patriotic or ceremonial song that represents a nation, group, or cause.

"The crowd stood as the national anthem played before the match."

"The band's biggest hit became an anthem for a whole generation of fans."

A solemn religious choral piece, often sung during a church service.

"The choir performed an anthem written specially for the cathedral's anniversary."

How to Use Anthem

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rousing song that represents a country, team, or movement — or a solemn church song.

Common pairings

national anthem sing the anthem become an anthem

Word Forms

anthemed past tense, anthems plural, anthems singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “anthem” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The crowd stood as the national _____ played before the match.

Etymology

Traces back through Old English and Old French to Latin antiphona, from Greek antiphōna, "sounds in response" — originally music sung back and forth between two choir groups.