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.
Nintendo, anime streamer Crunchyroll, Hulu and Amazon Prime are among the companies with ads all over the light-rail system. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 Watanabe noted that Leach and series director Christophe Ferreira worked to help sow the connections between the anime’s various locations and cultures through narrative elements, including the show’s music, which features work by legendary Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025 As more parents seek alternatives to the high-octane programming that dominates children's entertainment, Diwa's decision to revisit the gentler aesthetics of vintage anime appears to have offered not only a nostalgic reprieve for adults, but also a regulatory tool for young viewers. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The brand draws inspiration from legendary wrestlers like Bull Nakano, the Crush Gals, the Beauty Pair and Dump Matsumoto, who transcended the ring to become cultural icons influencing fashion, toys, anime and music. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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)

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