hymnal

noun

hym·​nal ˈhim-nəl How to pronounce hymnal (audio)
: a collection of church hymns

Examples of hymnal in a Sentence

hymnals are distributed among the congregation before the church service so everyone can join in the singing
Recent Examples on the Web Its melodies were lifted from hymnals performed in the Black church. Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Today, the former mayors are singing from the same hymnal on a local group's proposal to build a street grid between Queensgate and the western edge of Downtown. The Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2024 Announced more than five years ago, the new hymnal promises to be a high note in Latter-day Saint worship services and cultural history. David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 Aug. 2023 Singers sought for new hymnal (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Latter-day Saint soloists and choral singers are needed to help record songs for the new hymnbook, which is part of the church's digital sacred musical collection. David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 Aug. 2023 The YouTubers are encouraged to take a hymnal, read about the church’s teachings and enjoy food with other members. Michael Williams, Dallas News, 24 July 2023 By now, the blueprint for these set pieces is well understood, even to candidates who don’t exactly sing from the same evangelical hymnal. Philip Elliott, Time, 12 July 2023 These are songs of worry and longing, rapturous hymnals to the fortifying qualities of booze, and elegies for the illusive wisdom we’re told is supposed to come with maturation. James Robins, Vulture, 1 May 2023 Some Democrats are singing from Mace's hymnal. Peter Weber, The Week, 13 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hymnal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hymnale, from Medieval Latin, from Latin hymnus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hymnal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hymnal

Cite this Entry

“Hymnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hymnal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hymnal

noun
hym·​nal ˈhim-nəl How to pronounce hymnal (audio)
: a book of hymns

More from Merriam-Webster on hymnal

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