From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishnational anthemˌnational ˈanthem noun [countable] SANAPMthe official song of a nation that is sung or played on public occasions
Examples from the Corpus
national anthem• Even I wouldn't realise until they opened their mouths - which was only to sing the malai national anthem.• The sight of the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that later became our national anthem.• When people sing our national anthem, they raise their fists and then the battle-cry is echoed: Amandla Ngawethu!• Some memorable moments also have come during the singing of the national anthem.• Deputies sang the national anthem when the votes reached the total of 336 required for impeachment.• Jeffrey Osborne will come back to sing the national anthem.• A woman called to say she wanted the fans to sing the national anthem. 