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.
Season 2 of the title’s TV anime is scheduled to air from January 2027. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 Data on performance by country, digital manga reporting, and, for the first time, data from MyAnimeList — the world’s largest online anime and manga database — will be available. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Crunchyroll said Storyworks will adapt global stories into anime and Japanese anime into live action, working with Japanese creators to preserve and center the original creative vision. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 Wax said anime titles have a longer tail than standard performance metrics capture. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for anime

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Browse Nearby Words

animatronics
anime
Animikean
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Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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)

More from Merriam-Webster on anime

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anime

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