hallelujah

Or hal·le·lu·iah

[hal-uh-loo-yuh]

interjection

1. Praise ye the Lord!

noun

1. an exclamation of “hallelujah!”

2. a shout of joy, praise, or gratitude.

3. a musical composition wholly or principally based upon the word “hallelujah.”

hallelujah

/ ˌælɪˈluːjə, ˌhælɪˈluːjə /

interjection

1. an exclamation of praise to God

2. an expression of relief or a similar emotion

noun

1. an exclamation of "Hallelujah"

2. a musical composition that uses the word Hallelujah as its text

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallelujah¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Hebrew halĕlûyāh “praise Yahweh,” from halĕlû (masculine imperative plural of hīlēl “to praise”) + -yāh Yahweh

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallelujah¹

C16: from Hebrew hallelūyāh praise the Lord, from hellēl to praise + yāh the Lord, _Yahweh

Example Sentences

It allowed me to sing hallelujah in the Lenten season,” referring to the run-up to Easter.

From Salon

“This zydeco band ... can play!” says the gator, adding an excitedly drawn-out “hallelujah” for emphasis.

From Los Angeles Times

Then one day she left, and the skies opened as a heavenly host sang hallelujah.

From Salon

He often intersperses his speeches with chants of “hallelujah” in a strongly Christian country.

From Seattle Times

Ask when they're done crying hallelujah at this display of their favorite guy nutting up!

From Salon

Related Words

• chant 
• ditty 
• oratorio 
• paean 
• psalm