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.
By his estimate, anime accounts for roughly 70% of Japan’s total box office, even though far more live-action films are made. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 The firm is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest importers of Japanese anime, including series like Doraemon, Naruto, One Piece, and Detective Conan. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 The layout splits between a restaurant and a cocktail bar, with a listening lounge tucked into the back corner, whose walls come alive with flickering anime cartoons. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The first season of the anime collaboration between Cyberpunk developers CD Projekt RED and legendary production house Studio Trigger was a spectacular return to Night City, with killer visual style, compelling characters, and a great soundtrack. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 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 27 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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