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 Guerard
Example Sentences
He was playing the theme song from “The Godfather.”
Recent Examples on the Web The franchise sports the blue and green worn by the NHL Whalers, who left Hartford in 1997, and makes use of Brass Bonanza, the Whalers’ theme song. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2022 Alan Menken, who's composed most of your favorite Disney songs, even wrote him a little wartime theme song. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 The title of this anime’s theme song is a nod towards Anya, who loves peanuts. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 3 Aug. 2022 In the video, the couple is seen moving and grooving as Bacon lifts and spins his wife to the tune of the film’s theme song by Kenny Loggins. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 29 June 2022 Thirty years ago today, a theme song lodged itself in the heads of children and parents for life — but a sweet show about friendship and caring also debuted on PBS, introducing some child stars who went on to accomplish great things. Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 The nostalgic standard, first recorded in 1954, has also served as the victory theme song from the San Francisco Giants, and has been covered dozens of times by artists ranging from Brenda Lee to Bobby Womack. Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2022 However, Miranda was not in the audience after his wife tested positive for COVID-19, and lost to the James Bond theme song. Emily Burack, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2022 The first sketch debuted on Oct. 5, 1991, opening with a cheesy yet earnest theme song that totally set the tone. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 20 July 2022 See More
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2022 Alan Menken, who's composed most of your favorite Disney songs, even wrote him a little wartime theme song. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 The title of this anime’s theme song is a nod towards Anya, who loves peanuts. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 3 Aug. 2022 In the video, the couple is seen moving and grooving as Bacon lifts and spins his wife to the tune of the film’s theme song by Kenny Loggins. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 29 June 2022 Thirty years ago today, a theme song lodged itself in the heads of children and parents for life — but a sweet show about friendship and caring also debuted on PBS, introducing some child stars who went on to accomplish great things. Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 The nostalgic standard, first recorded in 1954, has also served as the victory theme song from the San Francisco Giants, and has been covered dozens of times by artists ranging from Brenda Lee to Bobby Womack. Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2022 However, Miranda was not in the audience after his wife tested positive for COVID-19, and lost to the James Bond theme song. Emily Burack, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2022 The first sketch debuted on Oct. 5, 1991, opening with a cheesy yet earnest theme song that totally set the tone. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 20 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1