theme song

noun

1. a melody in an operetta or musical comedy so emphasized by repetition as to dominate the presentation.
2. a melody identifying or identified with a radio or television program, dance band, etc., usually played at the beginning of each program.
3. an expression, comment, or subject of conversation that a person or group uses habitually.

theme song

noun

1. a melody used, esp in a film score, to set a mood, introduce a character, etc
2. another term for signature tune

Word History and Origins

Origin of theme song¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

“I would rather sing the ‘Full House’ theme song endlessly on repeat for eternity than allow Trump to come on ‘How Rude, Tanneritos!’

From Los Angeles Times

Inside the main room, a voice booms with instructions on time limits for speeches before the theme song from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” provides a soundtrack — and that’s all before the show even begins!

From Los Angeles Times

The audience chants the name of the long-running game show, the theme song plays and announcer Jim Thornton introduces the stars of the show.

From Los Angeles Times

While stopping short of an explicit endorsement, Beyoncé provided the campaign not only with a theme song, but an inclusive slogan that sums up its stance on issues as diverse as abortion and gun violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Was the Trump campaign signaling to be saved when it played a video clip of the theme song from the 1997 film “Titanic” Friday at rally for the Republican nominee in Montana?

From Los Angeles Times