gospel

noun

gos·pel | \ ˈgä-spəl

Definition of gospel

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a often capitalized : the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation

b capitalized : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ also : a similar apocryphal (see apocrypha sense 2) book

c : an interpretation of the Christian message the social gospel

2 capitalized : a lection (see lection sense 1) from one of the New Testament Gospels

3 : the message or teachings of a religious teacher

4 : something accepted or promoted as infallible (see infallible sense 1) truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine took her words as gospel spreading the gospel of conservation— R. M. Hodesh

5 : gospel music

gospel

adjective

Definition of gospel (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : having a basis in or being in accordance with the gospel (see gospel entry 1 sense 1) : evangelical ordained to the gospel ministry — Christian Century

b : marked by special or fervid emphasis on the gospel a gospel meeting

2 : of, relating to, or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues

Other Words from gospel Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about gospel

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Examples of gospel in a Sentence

Noun

a reading from the Gospel of St. John her private gospel is to do good cheerfully and without any expectation of reward

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

My favorite memory is when Cher joined the gospel choir from a local church in Harlem one year when the Met was held in December. — Maria Ward, Vogue, "André Leon Talley Explains the Significance of the Met Gala," 5 May 2019 Hall was one of several members of the California Community Choir chosen to perform with Ms. Franklin during a special two-day recording of what would become the greatest-selling gospel record of all time. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "In Amazing Grace, Aretha Franklin Reminds Us That Fashion Can Be Divine," 10 Apr. 2019 Leading blues and gospel singers who preceded her—including Bessie Smith, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Mahalia Jackson and Dinah Washington —could project their voices with taut, searing power. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Dies," 16 Aug. 2018 And McEntire’s younger sister, Susie, is a gospel singer. — Fox News, "Reba McEntire facts: 8 things you didn't know about the country music star," 29 June 2018 The class led by StepNicely Dance teaches line-dancing to R&B, old school, jazz and gospel music. — Linda Mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Muir award goes to Conservancy," 9 July 2018 Though gospel music fell out of fashion and became less marketable with the arrival of soul, the Blind Boys of Alabama decided to stick with it. — Santi Elijah Holley, The Atlantic, "Remembering Clarence Fountain, a Gospel Legend," 6 June 2018 But some of the basics — the core message there of the power of love not simply as a sentimental thing but as a transformational way — that actually is the core of the gospel of Jesus of Nazareth. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "'I think we all went to church': Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry reflects on royal wedding," 23 May 2018 Everybody in the world watching the game takes it as gospel. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Q&A: Ref D.J. Carstensen talks old Milwaukee, tough calls and cool memories," 10 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Market prices, of course, are no more gospel truth than are the extrapolations of economists. — James Mackintosh, WSJ, "Pick Your Portfolio’s Story: Late-Cycle Sugar Rush or New Boom?," 30 July 2018 Gospel stage production about family's struggle with alcoholism and their journey back to God through faith, hope and love. — Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week: July 5-9," 5 July 2017 Gospel singer Bebe Winans sings beautiful hymns; New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker joins her on stage. — Capricia Marshall, Harper's BAZAAR, "Behind the Scenes of Hillary's Last Days on the Campaign Trail," 15 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gospel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.