ˌnational ˈanthem noun [countable]
the official song of a nation that is sung or played on public occasions

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

song a short piece of music with words that you sing:
We sang songs around the campfire.
The song was written by John Lennon.
track one of the songs on a CD or record:
Track three is my favourite one.
number a song that forms part of a performance of several songs:
The show was brilliant, from the opening number to the end.
tune the notes in a song, without the words:
I recognize the tune, but I can’t remember what it’s called.
melody the main series of notes in a piece of music that has several parts which are played together:
The song has a simple melody and beautiful lyrics.
verse a set of sentences that make up one part of a song:
She sang the first verse of ‘Amazing Grace’.
chorus a set of sentences in a song that is repeated after each verse:
Most of the kids were able to join in the chorus.
national anthem the official song of a country, which is sung or played on public occasions:
Before the match, everyone stood up to sing the national anthem.
hymn /hɪm/ a religious song that is sung in a church:
What hymns did you choose for your wedding?
At funerals people often sing the hymn ‘Abide with Me’.
carol a traditional Christmas song:
We went around the houses, singing carols.
folk song a traditional song from a particular area:
an old Mexican folk song
ballad a long folk song which tells a story:
a traditional ballad about a man who is dreaming of his home in Ireland
lullaby a slow quiet song sung to children to make them go to sleep:
She sat by the child’s bed, softly singing a lullaby.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲