theme song

noun

plural theme songs
1
: a song or melody strongly associated with someone or something
a famous performer's theme song
the theme song of a political campaign
often : an identifying melody or song typically played at the beginning of a movie, television show, etc., and sometimes recurring during its course
Some of these shows were truly unforgettable, with catchy theme songs that are instantly recognizable decades later. Grant Butler
2
: a statement, expression, or opinion repeatedly heard from someone
But literary history is also entangled with criticism. Inevitably so; let me revert unblushingly to my theme song: in order to appreciate a masterpiece, we must be acquainted with its language …Albert Guerard

Examples of theme song in a Sentence

He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The theme song for the drama Monster was produced by South Korean rapper/music producer GRAY, who also worked with the trilingual rapper on her fourth album Naked. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024 Scott, who will be at the January 6 Netflix debut, also revealed his new music will serve as the theme song for RAW. Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2024 Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails created a theme song for the game too. Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 Room 222, in turn, reminded me of 227, a different show, from the ’80s — and its glorious theme song, by Ray Colcord, sung by Marla Gibbs (who starred in the show). Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theme song 

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theme song was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near theme song

Cite this Entry

“Theme song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme%20song. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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