anthem

[ an-thuhm ]

noun

1. a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism:

   the national anthem of Spain; our college anthem.

2. a piece of sacred vocal music, usually with words taken from the Scriptures.
3. a hymn sung alternately by different sections of a choir or congregation.

verb (used with object)

1. to celebrate with or in an anthem.

anthem

/ ˈænθəm; ænˈθɛmɪk /

noun

1. a song of loyalty or devotion, as to a nation or college

   a national anthem

2. a musical composition for a choir, usually set to words from the Bible, sung as part of a church service
3. a religious chant sung antiphonally
4. a popular rock or pop song

Derived Forms

• anthemic, adjective

Other Words From

• an·them·ic [an-, theem, -ik, ‐-, them, ‐], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthem¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English antem, Old English antemn(e), antefne, from Late Latin antefana, antiphōna (feminine singular), from Greek antíphōna ( antiphon ); spelling with h probably by association with hymn, with pronunciation then changed to reflect spelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthem¹

Old English antemne, from Late Latin antiphōna antiphon

Example Sentences

Hundreds of sailors were on hand for the event, and each of them stood at attention during the national anthem.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played and I’m thinking to myself, ‘How incredible.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the Daily Mail, one of its reporters approached Strahan outside his home and asked about the national anthem controversy.

From Los Angeles Times

“By the time I looked up from that moment, all my Fox guys had their hands over their hearts, the national anthem’s playing. I somewhat panic and I’m like, ‘Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after or do I just stand here with my hand in front of me respectfully?’

From Los Angeles Times

Michael Strahan says he wasn’t trying to make a statement when he stood without his hand over his heart while the national anthem played during a “Fox NFL Sunday” broadcast at Naval Base San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chant
• chorus
• hymn
• melody