anthem

UK: /ˈænθəm/ US: /ˈænθəm/ ,(an′thəm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

an•them /ˈænθəm/   n. [countable]

1. Music and Dance a song, such as of praise, devotion, or patriotism.
2. Music, Music and Dance a hymn.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

an•them  (an′thəm), n. 

1. Music and Dance a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism:
   the national anthem of Spain; our college anthem.
2. Music and Dance a piece of sacred vocal music, usually with words taken from the Scriptures.
3. Music, Music and Dance a hymn sung alternately by different sections of a choir or congregation.

v.t. 

4. to celebrate with or in an anthem.

• Greek antíphōna (see antiphon); spelling, spelled with h probably by association with hymn, with pronunciation, pronounced then changed to reflect spelling, spelled
• Late Latin antefana, antiphōna (feminine singular)
• Middle English antem, Old English antemn(e), antefne bef. 1000

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

anthem / ˈænθəm/ 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

Etymology: Old English antemne, from Late Latin antiphōna antiphon