God Save the King

English

Alternative forms

• God Save the Queen (when the current monarch is a queen)

Proper noun

God Save the King

1. The national anthem of the United Kingdom when the current monarch is a king.
   • 1941, George Orwell, The Lion and the Unicorn:

     It is a strange fact, but it is unquestionably true that almost any English intellectual would feel more ashamed of standing to attention during “God save the King” than of stealing from a poor box.

Interjection

God Save the King

1. (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK) An expression of one’s patriotism and hope for the long life of the monarch, especially in his presence.
2. (UK) A formal statement at the end of many proclamations issued by the King or in his name.
3. (UK) A formal declaration following the death of a reigning monarch when the next monarch is male.

   The Queen is dead! God save the King!

Usage notes

Used in countries of the British Commonwealth and historically in countries of the former British Empire.

Coordinate terms

• long live

Derived terms

• God-Save-the-Kinger