antiphon

noun

an·​ti·​phon ˈan-tə-fən 

-ˌfän

1

: a psalm, anthem, or verse sung responsively

2

: a verse usually from Scripture said or sung before and after a canticle, psalm, or psalm verse as part of the liturgy

Examples of antiphon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are several places that are introducing Latin Mass responses, Latin Ordinary chants, Latin antiphons and even the Memorial Acclamation and Our Father. — Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025

The prayer is one of four Marian antiphons, or prayers to the Virgin Mary, which is said throughout the Easter season. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 11 May 2025

The choir is singing an opening antiphon from Psalm 46 in the Catholic psalter. — Zoë Richards, NBC news, 9 May 2025

An antiphon is a short piece of religious text, most often derived from one of the Psalms, and set to music, usually in the form of a Gregorian chant. — oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2020

Consider using a disposable worship aid or the use of familiar hymns, songs, antiphons, and acclamations. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, 8 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antiphone, from Middle French, from Late Latin antiphona — more at anthem

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for antiphon

• aileron
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon
• epsilon
• etalon