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
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
Albert GuerardExamples of theme song in a Sentence
He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”
Recent Examples on the Web
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Feb. 2026
In 2008, the two provided the English language dub voices for the Studio Ghibli film, Ponyo, also collaborating on the title theme song for the English version of the movie.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Alongside Wuthering Heights stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, Charli joined SiriusXM’s The Julia Cunningham Show recently, where the Brat artist was asked about potentially working on the Bond 26 theme song.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theme song
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.
Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
In the years following his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Puth worked for DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, released a couple of promotional singles, and collaborated on other music, including jingles and theme songs for YouTube personalities.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Feb. 2026
In 2008, the two provided the English language dub voices for the Studio Ghibli film, Ponyo, also collaborating on the title theme song for the English version of the movie.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Alongside Wuthering Heights stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, Charli joined SiriusXM’s The Julia Cunningham Show recently, where the Brat artist was asked about potentially working on the Bond 26 theme song.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theme song
Cite this Entry
“Theme song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme%20song. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
