Definition of "anthem"

anthem

/ˈæn.θəm/

noun
plural anthems
1. (archaic) Antiphon.
2. A choral or vocal composition, often with a religious or political lyric.
3. A hymn of praise or loyalty.
4. (informal) A very popular song or track.
  Quotations
  In May 2000, they even finally cracked the UK top ten when they teamed up with Paul Van Dyk on the trance anthem "The Riddle"...
  2003, Peter Buckley, The rough guide to rock
verb
third-person singular simple present anthems, present participle antheming, simple past and past participle anthemed
1. (transitive, poetic) To celebrate with anthems.
  Quotations
  [T]hou shalt hear / Distant harvest-carols clear; / Rustle of the reaped corn; / Sweet birds antheming the morn: [...]
  1819 (date written), John Keats, “Fancy”, in Lamia, Isabella, the Eve of St. Agnes, and Other Poems, London: […] [Thomas Davison] for Taylor and Hessey, […], published 1820, page 124

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