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 stars surprised attendees at the band's concert stop at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kan., on Thursday night, taking the stage to perform the track alongside frontman Marcus Mumford, a composer on the show who also co-wrote and performs the theme song. EW.com, 25 July 2025 The theme song of The White Lotus uses a famous music sequence used in a lot of shows and movies to forewarn impending disaster or death. Kayla Grant, People.com, 24 July 2025 The two songwriters also composed pitch-perfect theme songs for two sitcoms that debuted within a year of each other – Bewitched (1964) and Gidget (1965). Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 July 2025 Some of the duo’s most ingrained songs on the American mind were their clever TV theme songs including three for Norman Lear 1970s sitcoms. Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Theme song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme%20song. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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