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anthem

n. · v.
US //ˈænθəm// UK //ˈænθəm// an·them
  1. 1 national or official song (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a formal song that represents a country or a large group.

    a song of praise or devotion, most commonly representing a nation or a specific institution.

    Example

    The crowd stood in silence as the national anthem began to play.

    Example

    Before the international match commenced, both teams stood respectfully for the playing of their respective national anthems.

    Usage

    Often used in the compound 'national anthem'.
  2. 2 popular or defining song (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Music

    a very popular song that a lot of people love and sing along to.

    a popular song that identifies or symbolises a particular group, generation, or subculture.

    Example

    That dance track became the anthem of the summer for everyone at the beach.

    Example

    The band's debut single quickly evolved into a generational anthem, capturing the frustrations of young people living in the city.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is common in music journalism and casual conversation to describe a song that 'everyone knows'.
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  1. 3 religious choral music (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Music

    a piece of music sung by a church choir.

    a choral composition with English words, usually based on biblical texts, performed during a church service.

    Example

    The cathedral choir sang a beautiful anthem during the Sunday morning service.

    Example

    The composer was commissioned to write a new choral anthem for the royal wedding ceremony.

    Usage

    In this technical sense, it refers specifically to Anglican or Protestant liturgical music.
    • choral work
    • motet
  2. 4 to celebrate with song (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    to praise or celebrate something by singing about it.

    to celebrate, praise, or honour through the performance of anthems.

    Example

    The poets would anthem the king's victories in their verses.

    Example

    The ancient texts describe how the citizens would anthem their heroes upon their return from the frontier.

    Usage

    This verb form is rare in modern prose and is almost exclusively found in poetry or historical literature.
Origin

From Middle English anteme, from Old English antefn, antefen and Old French antiene, anteine, anteivne, from Latin antiphōna, from Ancient Greek ἀντίφωνα (antíphōna), from ἀντί (antí, “over against”) + φωνή (phōnḗ, “voice, sound”). Doublet of antiphon.

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