gospel

noun gos·pel \ ˈgä-spəl \

Definition of gospel

1 a 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 2) book

c :an interpretation of the Christian message

the social gospel

2 capitalized :a lection (see lection 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 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

—

gospelly

play \ˈgä-spə-lē\ adjective

See gospel defined for English-language learners

See gospel defined for kids

Examples of gospel in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of gospel from the Web

Their religions were not opposed: the Christians followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Indians had the Gaiwiio, and the two gospels did not appear to conflict.

— Longreads, "America’s First Addiction Epidemic," 29 Aug. 2017
Some Christians are already using the eclipse to spread the gospel, while others are seeking another type of cosmic communion.

— rebecca boyle, The Atlantic, "Offbeat Ways to Enjoy the Total Eclipse," 19 Aug. 2017
Louis Armstrong and His Hot Seven represented jazz, Blind Willie Johnson gospel blues.

— marcia dunn, The Seattle Times, "NASA, PBS marking 40 years since Voyager spacecraft launches," 18 Aug. 2017
Paula Willett, 66, of Marshall County, planned to spend Saturday working the crowd and spreading the gospel of Gatewood.

— deborah yetter, The Courier-Journal, "Fancy Farm: Prayer, pork and get ready for the political put-downs," 5 Aug. 2017
The event will feature DJs, gospel and jazz performances, games and inflatables for kids on Saturday, and the Sunday afternoon parade filled with floats and marching bands, Robbins officials said.

— gerald porter jr., Daily Southtown, "Robbins to celebrate its 100th anniversary, rich history over the Labor Day weekend," 4 Aug. 2017
In fact, the gentlelady from California's words have even been turned into a literal gospel song.

— robert newhouse, Teen Vogue, "Maxine Waters's 6 Best Career Moments," 2 Aug. 2017
Just being the inspirational rock ‘n’ roll, blues and gospel guy that always bring a sense of joy to people.

— jeff milo, Detroit Free Press, "Pedal-steel star Robert Randolph opens downtown's Beacon Park," 19 July 2017
Rick Saucedo concert: Rick Saucedo will sing gospel and songs of inspiration in the style of Elvis at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 N. Ellsworth Ave.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "This Week in Naperville," 18 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of gospel

Middle English, from Old English gōdspel (translation of Late Latin evangelium), from gōd good + spell tale — more at spell

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

gospel Synonyms

Synonyms

credo, doctrine, dogma, creed, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, testament

Related Words

manifesto; metaphysic, theory; axiom, tenet, watchword

gospel

adjective

Definition of gospel

1 a :having a basis in or being in accordance with the gospel (see ¹gospel 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

Recent Examples of gospel from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of gospel

see ¹gospel

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

GOSPEL Defined for English Language Learners

gospel

noun

Definition of gospel for English Language Learners

: the teachings of the Christian religion
Gospel : any one of the first four books of the Christian Bible that tell of the life of Jesus Christ
: an idea or set of ideas that someone believes and often tries to make other people believe