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

White is referring to a part of the Biblical narrative recounted in the gospel of Matthew, as well as some books of Biblical Apocrypha. — Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, "Top Trump evangelical ally: Jesus never broke immigration law," 11 July 2018 With Reagan’s election in 1980, opposition to Roe became the gospel of the GOP. — Jonathan Zimmerman, The New Republic, "Overturning Roe v. Wade Could Remake American Politics," 5 July 2018 Black music is a multibillion-dollar industry that spans many genres, from R&B/soul and gospel to jazz and hip-hop. — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, "Stax Legend Al Bell on Black Music's Living Legacy and Power: 'My Life's Mission Is to Make Sure It Doesn't Die'," 6 July 2018 The film traces her beginnings singing in the black church, often alongside her mother, Cissy, a gospel star in her own right. — Ann Hornaday, kansascity, "New Whitney Houston documentary transcends the rise-and-fall formula," 5 July 2018 Canas’ performances, which always turn up the heat, channel the all-time blues greats but also incorporate Hendrix-like solos and poignant gospel-likel vocals. — Jeff Milo, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit music: Grayling album release, J. Walker & the Crossguards, Chris Canas," 12 July 2018 Into boxing, celebrity panels or the gospel showcase? — Sarah Bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Here's what you need to know about Black Expo 2018," 11 July 2018 The 56-year-old gospel legend was inducted alongside diplomat Teta V. Banks, astronaut Jeanette J. Epps, activist Chantél Harris, and author Margot Lee Shetterly at the sorority’s biennial conference in Houston. — Niki Mcgloster, Essence.com, "The Quick Read: Beyonce, Oprah To Headline Global Citizen in South Africa," 9 July 2018 Fri 7/6- Sat 7/7: Fabled D.C. gospel yeh-yeh band the Make-Up play a couple rare reunion shows. — Katie Powers, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Do This / Music / Film Avenue Q at Mercury Theater and more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend," 6 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

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.