Definition: National anthem

Etymology

national + anthem, from Middle French national, corresponding to nation + -al, and Middle English anteme, from Old English antefn, antefen, and Old French antiene, anteine, anteivne, from Latin antiphōna, from Ancient Greek ἀντίφωνα or antíphōna, from ἀντί or antí (over against) + φωνή or phōnḗ (voice, sound). Doublet of antiphon.

Noun

national anthem (plural national anthems)

1. The official song of a nation or sovereign state, generally of a patriotic nature and played at events to celebrate or honor said state.

   "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States.

Credits

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