anthem
noun
- song of celebration, including a specific form of Anglican church music
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈæn.θəm/ [ˈæn̪.θəm] / /ˈan.θəm/ [ˈan̪.θəm] / /ˈæn.θəm/ [ˈɛə̯n̪.θəm ~ ˈeə̯n̪.θəm]
noun
Etymology: 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.
- Antiphon.
- 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.”
- A hymn of praise or loyalty.
“The choir sang a selection of Christmas anthems at the service just before the big day.”
- A very popular song or track.
“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"...”
verb
Etymology: 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.
- To celebrate with anthems.
“[T]hou shalt hear / Distant harvest-carols clear; / Rustle of the reaped corn; / Sweet birds antheming the morn: [...]”