Anthem

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈænθəm/

Origin

From Middle English anteme, from Old English antefn, from Late Latin antiphōna, from Ancient Greek ἀντίφωνα (antiphona), from ἀντί (anti, "over against") + φωνή (phone, "voice, sound"). Compare antiphon.

Full definition of anthem

Noun

1. (archaic) Antiphon.
2. A choral or vocal composition, often with a religious or political lyric.The school's anthem sang of its many outstanding qualities, and it was hard to keep a straight face while singing.
3. A hymn of praise or loyalty.The choir sang a selection of Christmas anthems at the service just before the big day.
4. (informal) A very popular song or track.
• 2003, Peter Buckley, The rough guide to rockIn May 2000, they even finally cracked the UK top ten when they teamed up with Paul Van Dyk on the trance anthem "The Riddle"...

Derived terms

• anthemic
• national anthem

Verb

1. (transitive, poetic) To celebrate with anthems.
• KeatsSweet birds antheming the morn.

Anagrams

• Hemant
• hetman
• nameth
• the man