hosanna

[hoh-zan-uh]

interjection

1. (an exclamation, originally an appeal to God for deliverance, used in praise of God or Christ.)

noun

plural

hosannas 

1. a cry of “hosanna.”

2. a shout of praise or adoration; an acclamation.

verb (used with object)

hosannaed, hosannaing 

1. to praise, applaud, etc..

   The critics hosannaed his new play.

hosanna

/ həʊˈzænə /

interjection

1. an exclamation of praise, esp one to God

noun

1. the act of crying "hosanna"

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosanna¹

First recorded before 1000; from Late Latin (h)ōsanna, from Greek (h)ōsanná, from Hebrew hōshʿā-nā, shortening of hōsh(i) ʿāh nnā “save, we pray”; replacing Middle English, Old English osanna, from Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosanna¹

Old English osanna, via Late Latin from Greek, from Hebrew hōshi `āh nnā save now, we pray

Example Sentences

The 10th anniversary of Miranda’s Tony Award-winning, culturally transformative musical “Hamilton,” with the duel as its centerpiece, has occasioned a new wave of critical hosannas.

From Los Angeles Times

The Oilers will play again on Sunday, the traditional Christian Sabbath, and the faithful will once again file into Rogers Place to offer hosannas at decibel levels loud enough to make your ears bleed.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike a signed bill or a freshly inked executive order, there's rarely one name at which observers can launch their hosannas and brickbats.

From Salon

In all the hosannas to democracy from Biden and the political elites at MSNBC, what is lost is that democracy isn't an end in itself, but a means, ideally towards more good for more people.

From Salon

You’re not supposed to speak ill of the dead, so that explains the hosannas swirling around for Bishop Tod D. Brown.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chant 
• ditty 
• oratorio 
• paean 
• psalm