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.
At home, Hasegawa said, anime has long worked as a driver for related content, goods and services. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 Lynch enjoyed playing video games, especially Zelda, and watching anime. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026 The target for the anime industry is to hit $38BN (JPY6TR) in export revenues by 2033, almost twice the current figure. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 Manga Day Festival Enjoy a free day of manga, anime and sequential art with a welcome parade, K-pop Demon singalong, a cosplay runway showcase, free swag bags to the first 300 preregistered arrivals, plus drawing and masterclasses. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 27 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

See All Rhymes for anime

Browse Nearby Words

animatronics
anime
Animikean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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