gospel

American  

[gos-puhl] / ˈgɒs pəl /

noun

1. the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation.

2. the story of Christ's life and teachings, especially as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

3. (usually initial capital letter) any of these four books.

4. something regarded as true and implicitly believed.

   to take his report for gospel.

5. a doctrine regarded as of prime importance.

   political gospel.

6. glad tidings, especially concerning salvation and the kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.

7. (often initial capital letter) an extract from one of the four Gospels, forming part of the Eucharistic service in certain churches.

8. gospel music.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or proclaiming the gospel or its teachings.

   a gospel preacher.

2. in accordance with the gospel; evangelical.

3. of or relating to gospel music.

   a gospel singer.

Gospel ¹ British  

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

2. a reading from one of these in a religious service

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gospel ² British  

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. Also called: gospel truth.  an unquestionable truth

   to take someone's word as gospel

2. a doctrine maintained to be of great importance

3. Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States

4. the message or doctrine of a religious teacher

5. 1. the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels

   2. the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ

   3. ( as modifier )

      the gospel story

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gospel Cultural  

1. The “good news” of salvation (see also salvation) (see Gospels). Certain styles of religious music are also called “gospel.” (See spirituals (see also spirituals).)

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Other Word Forms

• nongospel adjective

Etymology

Origin of gospel

First recorded before 950; Middle English go(d)spell, Old English gōdspell ( good, spell ² ); translation of Greek euangélion “good news” ( evangel ¹ )

Example Sentences

It was a big night for the Northampton-born artist, who teared up as he accepted the award and said "Jesus Christ is real", before he went on to also win best gospel act.

From BBC

Malaco Records, which specializes in soul, blues and gospel, acquired “Ring My Bell” in the 1980s, according to Stewart Madison, the label’s vice president and director of business affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal

But collective opinion is formed in a vacuum and spit out as gospel, and that’s not a fair way to approach movies.

From Salon

The opening concert will be Marsalis's symphonic work All Rise, featuring 200 singers and musicians in a piece that combines African chant, New Orleans parade music, gospel and Latin American styles.

From BBC

She sang traditional gospel songs with contemporary jazz tempos that she played on her electric guitar.

From BBC

Related Words

• dogma
• faith
• truth