anime

noun

an·​i·​me ˈa-nə-ˌmā How to pronounce anime (audio) ˈä-nē- How to pronounce anime (audio)
: a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes

Examples of anime in a Sentence

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Other highlights include a Japanese Animation Special, which will feature the work of anime directors Rintaro, Kadowaki Kohei, Katanosaka Ryo, Natsume Shingo, and Shinomiya Yoshitoshi – all of whom are scheduled to attend the festival. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Experiencing Orbitals was just like marathoning an entire season worth of anime. — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 There are six official anime series — Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball DAIMA. — Maria Cortes Gonzalez, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Content includes movies, TV shows, sports, news, and anime from partners like FOX, NBCUniversal, and Crunchyroll. — Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anime

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, animation, short for animēshiyon, from English

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anime was in 1985

Rhymes for anime

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Browse Nearby Words

animatronics
anime
Animikean
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Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anime

noun
an·​i·​me ˈan-ə-ˌmā How to pronounce anime (audio) ˈä-nē- How to pronounce anime (audio)
: a style of animation originating in Japan that has stark colorful graphics, action-filled plots, and often fantastic or futuristic themes
Etymology

from Japanese, literally, "animation," short for animēshiyon (from English)

More from Merriam-Webster on anime

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anime

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