gospel

[gos-puh l]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR gospel ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

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.

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

something regarded as true and implicitly believed: to take his report for gospel.

a doctrine regarded as of prime importance: political gospel.

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

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

gospel music.

adjective

of, relating to, or proclaiming the gospel or its teachings: a gospel preacher.

in accordance with the gospel; evangelical.

of or relating to gospel music: a gospel singer.

Origin of gospel

before 950; Middle English go(d)spell, Old English gōdspell (see good, spell²); translation of Greek euangélion good news; see evangel¹

Related formsnon·gos·pel, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for gospel

faith, truth, dogma, credo, belief, truism, veracity, creed, authority, testament, actuality, certainty, verity, scripture

Examples from the Web for gospel

Contemporary Examples of gospel

As it currently stands, the Via Dolorosa follows the account given in the Gospel of John.
Oops! Jesus’ Last Steps Are in the Wrong Place
Candida Moss
January 6, 2015
The rest of the episode follows Carrie spreading the gospel of her indignance over the thoughtless goodbye.
Confessions of a Rom-Com Writer: Liz Tuccillo Talks ‘Sex and the City,’ ‘Take Care,’ and More
Kevin Fallon
December 5, 2014
He figured on letting the gospel, specifically Matthew 1:28, guide his homily.
11 Children Shot in Milwaukee, One in Her Grandpa's Lap
Michael Daly
November 12, 2014
We think of Christianity as sexless, this [Gospel] says that sex is sacred.
Is ‘The Lost Gospel’ Book a Fraud?
Nico Hines
November 12, 2014
At The Disco, who tried their hand at a cover of the song on their recent “Gospel Tour.”
Viral Video of the Day: Queen is Back!
Jack Holmes
September 16, 2014

Historical Examples of gospel

It was a gospel that had to be preached with tears and beseechings from one generation to another.
The Conquest of Fear
Basil King
What do we mean by Law and Gospel, and where are they found?
An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Joseph Stump
By loving the things of God, especially the Church and the Gospel.
An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Joseph Stump
The name which she chose for herself is Evangelical (true to the Gospel).
An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Joseph Stump
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism
Joseph Stump

British Dictionary definitions for gospel

gospel

noun

Also called: gospel truth an unquestionable truthto take someone's word as gospel

a doctrine maintained to be of great importance

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

the message or doctrine of a religious teacher

the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels
the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ
(as modifier)the gospel story

Word Origin for gospel

Old English gōdspell, from gōd good + spell message; see spell ²; compare Old Norse guthspjall, Old High German guotspell

Gospel

noun

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

a reading from one of these in a religious service

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gospel

Old English godspel "gospel, glad tidings announced by Jesus; one of the four gospels," from god "good" (see good) + spel "story, message" (see spell (n.)); translation of Latin bona adnuntiatio, itself a translation of Greek euangelion "reward for bringing good news."

The first element of the Old English word had a long "o," but it shifted under mistaken association with God. The word passed early from English to continental Germanic languages in forms that clearly indicate the first element had shifted to "God," e.g. Old Saxon godspell, Old High German gotspell, Old Norse goðspiall. Used of anything as true as the Gospel from mid-13c. Gospel-gossip was Addison's word ("Spectator," 1711) for "one who is always talking of sermons, texts, etc."

gospel in Culture

gospel

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