Te Deum

[ tey dey-oom, -uhm, tee dee-uhm ]

noun

1. (italics) an ancient Latin hymn of praise to God, in the form of a psalm, sung regularly at matins in the Roman Catholic Church and, usually, in an English translation, at Morning Prayer in the Anglican Church, as well as on special occasions as a service of thanksgiving.
2. a musical setting of this hymn.
3. a service of thanksgiving in which this hymn forms a prominent part.

Te Deum

/ ˌtiː ˈdiːəm /

noun

1. an ancient Latin hymn in rhythmic prose, sung or recited at matins in the Roman Catholic Church and in English translation at morning prayer in the Church of England and used by both Churches as an expression of thanksgiving on special occasions
2. a musical setting of this hymn
3. a service of thanksgiving in which the recital of this hymn forms a central part

“Te Deum”

¹

1. A hymn of praise to God, with words taken largely from the Bible (see also Bible ), that is used by many groups of Christians (see also Christian ). The “Te Deum” has been set to music by George Frederick Handel and by many other composers for performance in worship services of thanksgiving (after a victory in war, for example). The Latin words Te Deum laudamus mean “Thee, God, we praise.”

Te Deum

²

1. A hymn of praise to God, containing many passages from the Bible (see also Bible ), that is used in the Anglican Communion , the Lutheran Church , and the Roman Catholic Church as part of morning prayers on festive occasions. It begins, “Te Deum laudamus,” meaning, “We praise thee, O God.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Te Deum¹

< Late Latin, first two words of the hymn, which begins: Tē Deum laudāmus we praise thee God

Word History and Origins

Origin of Te Deum¹

from the Latin canticle beginning Tē Deum laudāmus, literally: Thee, God, we praise

Example Sentences

They were more real than anything past, present, or to come, and his being sang a Te Deum of thanksgiving.

From Project Gutenberg

The pilgrims flocked up on deck and sang Te Deum with bounding joy.

From Project Gutenberg

Note also the great Te Deum sung here in 1431 when Paris was retaken.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day, a solemn mass was performed in the cathedral, and 'Te Deum' sung amidst the discharge of artillery.

From Project Gutenberg

The moment the discourse was finished, thrilling music burst forth, and the whole concluded with the Te Deum.

From Project Gutenberg