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

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 first season of the anime collaboration between Cyberpunk developers CD Projekt RED and legendary production house Studio Trigger was a spectacular return to Night City, with killer visual style, compelling characters, and a great soundtrack. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 Since Africa is also a large part of its storytelling, N LITE says, tapping into fandom culture among African anime and animation fans is key to its strategy. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 As for the mix, the version that plays in the anime is my mix, but the one being released was mixed by someone else. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 His presentation put the share of Japanese anime and films backed by production committees, or seisaku iinkai, at more than 90%, citing industry estimates. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for anime

Browse Nearby Words

animatronics
anime
Animikean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 20 Oct. 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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