Gregorian chant

American  

noun

1. the plain song or cantus firmus used in the ritual of the Roman Catholic Church.

2. a melody in this style.

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Gregorian chant British  

noun

1. another name for plainsong

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Gregorian chant Cultural  

1. The traditional music for Latin texts in the worship of the Roman Catholic Church. Gregorian chant is marked by performance in unison and by free-flowing rhythms that follow the phrasing of the text. The chants often call for one syllable to be sung across several notes.

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Etymology

Origin of Gregorian chant

1745–55; named after Pope Gregory I; see -ian

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Gregorian chant

Many missed the Latin rite’s sense of mystery and awe and the centuries-old Gregorian chant that went with it.

From Reuters ● Jul. 16, 2021

Frescos of Gregorian chant scores flank the stage.

From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2021

The Choir of Saint James: An Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols The ensemble performs works ranging from Gregorian chant to the present day.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 1, 2019

The term “classical music” is an inaccurate catchall for everything from solo piano works to Gregorian chant to contemporary instrumental sextets with electric guitar.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 10, 2018

I'm not up in musical terms, but I think the tune was a kind of Gregorian chant, and as mournful as a dog howling at night.

From Treasure Valley by MacGregor, Mary Esther Miller