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

Pop, Broadway, gospel, patriotic, barbershop four-part harmony without accompaniment, even classical. — Linda Gandee/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Singing Angels celebrate 55th anniversary; local auditions coming up in August," 14 July 2019 The 14 songs’ abrasive, shape-shifting instrumentals draw from Ali’s roots in gospel, punk, vogue, Baltimore club and the avant garde. — Sameer Rao, baltimoresun.com, "Mining Baltimore's past and present, Abdu Ali releases album of "Fiyah!!!"," 13 June 2019 African drumming, jazz, blues, neo-soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and reggae music, exhibits, health screenings, two-on-two basketball tourney, art and crafts, food. — Lisa Herendeen, The Mercury News, "Six fun SF Bay Area ways to celebrate Juneteenth 2019," 6 June 2019 Just as these artists refused to be boxed in, neither can Woods, with music that ranges across hip-hop, gospel and jazz. — Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, "Greg Kot picks his top 10 albums of the year so far," 26 June 2019 Also on tap is a free Sept. 21 gospel concert featuring Regina Belle and Tye Tribbett along with Detroit's Tasha Page-Lockhart and Kierra (Kiki) Sheard, backed by a 125-member choir drawn from 70-plus area churches. — Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Motown Weekend to cap anniversary year with concert, gospel, golf: Full details here," 23 June 2019 Snoop beat out established gospel artists Erica Campbell, Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond, as well as pop star Tori Kelly. — Lisa Respers France, CNN, "Yes, Snoop won the gospel category at the BET Awards," 23 June 2019 DuPont will present a recital of art songs, spirituals and gospels by both female and male black composers on June 26. — Elizabeth Nonemaker, baltimoresun.com, "Festival Baltimore celebrates the County’s 'world-class' concert hall," 13 June 2019 She and her band mixed hip-hop, soul and gospel to create an enchanting experience. — Tyra Nicole Triche, chicagotribune.com, "The Brown Skin Lady Show provides a glittering glimpse of the beauty of women doing it for themselves," 19 June 2019

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.