gospel

noun gos·pel \ ˈgä-spəl \

|Updated on: 18 Aug 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

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
The troupe’s fresh take on the art form — drawing on blues, spirituals and gospel for inspiration — changed the perception of American dance.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "2 shows for arts lovers head to Dr. Phillips Center," 6 July 2018
When: July 6-8 Where: Near West Side How much: $10-$169 The skinny: Enjoy reggae, gospel, R&B, blues, jazz and rock music and browse some 200 vendors.

— hannah steinkopf-frank, RedEye Chicago, "Chicago festivals this week: Taste of Chicago, Millennium Art Festival, Live on Lincoln," 3 July 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