gospel

noun gos·pel \ ˈgä-spəl \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

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

Expect live jazz, rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, Latino, and reggae music.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "These are the best Indianapolis food events in June," 30 May 2018
But what happens when people get left out—what happens when people who have come to gather, to support, to uplift the mission and hear your gospel, are standing on the other side of the door?

— jason parham, WIRED, "Welcome to the Social Media ‘Black Power Kitchen’ of Tomorrow," 29 May 2018
The blues singer and guitarist had formative musical experiences that exposed him to gospel, jazz, Caribbean music, and styles from around the world.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Taj Mahal To Play Infinity Hall Hartford," 26 May 2018
The Wizard of Oz’’ that featured an all-black cast and told the story of Dorothy & Co. to the accompaniment of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, and funk.

— don aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, "An exuberant journey down the yellow brick road in ‘The Wiz’," 22 May 2018
There will be music throughout the ceremony, mostly choral and gospel, with cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason set to perform as well.

— constance grady, Vox, "13 questions about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s big day, asked and answered.," 11 May 2018
But dismissing the glowing endorsements from Popovich and others within the Spurs organization as predictable propaganda seems just as silly as taking them as gospel.

— dan wolken, USA TODAY, "Why it's ridiculous, but predictable, that Brad Stevens' peers snubbed him," 10 May 2018
The performance combines gospel, classical and punk into one concert.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "This Week in Naperville," 4 May 2018
Once on the page, scroll to the bottom and the gospel/inspirational category is on the right.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Manchester Edition," 17 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

gospel Synonyms

Synonyms

credo, creed, doctrine, dogma, 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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