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

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

Your manuscript appears to be a 16th century antiphon, and is ink on vellum, which is usually made of calfskin. —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 1