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.
Jackson’s second solo effort — released just seven months after his first — will always be defined by its title track, the theme song to the rodent-centric 1972 film of the same name. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026 Parton wrote the film’s theme song, winning her two Grammy Awards and a People’s Choice Award for it. Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Morgan also sang the theme song of the 1975 NBC sitcom Fay starring Lee Grant. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Parton wrote the movie’s infectious theme song — which earned her the first of two Oscar nominations — while on the set between shots. Deborah Wilker, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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