theme song

noun

1. a melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program

• Syn: ↑signature, ↑signature tune

• Hypernyms:

↑tune, ↑melody, ↑air, ↑strain, ↑melodic line, ↑line, ↑melodic phrase

2. a melody that recurs and comes to represent a musical play or movie

• Hypernyms:

↑tune, ↑melody, ↑air, ↑strain, ↑melodic line, ↑line, ↑melodic phrase

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noun

1. : a melody recurring so often in a musical or dramatic performance that it characterizes the production or one of its principal characters

2. : an assertion or complaint repeated so often as to be regarded as characteristic of its user

3. : signature 9

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1. a melody in an operetta or musical comedy so emphasized by repetition as to dominate the presentation.

2. a melody identifying or identified with a radio or television program, dance band, etc., usually played at the beginning of each program.

3. an expression, comment, or subject of conversation that a person or group uses habitually.

[1925-30, Amer.]

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theme song or theme tune noun

1. A melody that is repeated often in a musical drama, film, or radio or television series, and is associated with a certain character, idea, emotion, etc

2. A signature tune

3. A person's characteristic, often repeated, complaint, etc

• • •

Main Entry: ↑theme

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theme song,

1. a melody used to identify a particular radio or television program; theme.

2. a melody repeated so often in a stage play, musical comedy, motion picture, or operetta as to dominate it or establish its character.

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noun, pl ⋯ songs [count]

: a song that is played at the beginning and end of a television show, movie, etc.

He was playing the theme song from/to “The Godfather.”

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ˈtheme music [theme music] noun uncountable (also theme, ˈtheme song, ˈtheme tune countable)

music that is played at the beginning and end and/or is often repeated in a film/movie, television programme, etc.

compare ↑signature tune

See also: ↑theme ▪ ↑theme song