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 live-action movie Saint Young Men became the third-fastest song to rack up 100 million streams for the band. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 6 June 2025 The show’s opening credits feature the familiar alley setting and theme song by The Refreshments, but the time-lapse shows the passage of a number of years, including the Hill family moving out of and then back into their house. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025 An Armed and Legged Fish: How Steve, a French cartoon with a catchy theme song, became a TikTok star. Alex Vadukul, New York Times, 21 May 2025 New 70th anniversary entertainment, outfits and more The theme of the 70th anniversary is Celebrate Happy and everything about it – from its infectiously bubbly and seemingly ubiquitous theme song performed by the Jonas Brothers to its bright blue, pink and purple decor – is designed to delight. Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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