hymn

[him]

noun

1. a song or ode in praise or honor of God, a deity, a nation, etc.

   Synonyms: paean, psalm, anthem

2. something resembling this, as a speech, essay, or book in praise of someone or something.

verb (used with object)

1. to praise or celebrate in a hymn; express in a hymn.

verb (used without object)

1. to sing hymns.

hymn

/ ˈhɪmnɪk, hɪm /

noun

1. a Christian song of praise sung to God or a saint

2. a similar song praising other gods, a nation, etc

verb

1. to express (praises, thanks, etc) by singing hymns

Other Word Forms

• hymner noun
• hymnlike adjective
• unhymned adjective
• hymnic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymn¹

before 1000; < Latin hymnus < Greek hýmnos song in praise of gods or heroes; replacing Middle English ymne (< Old French ) and Old English ymn (< Late Latin ymnus )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymn¹

C13: from Latin hymnus, from Greek humnos

Example Sentences

Cliff contributed four songs to the soundtrack, including the gospel hymn Many Rivers To Cross, which reflected his early days as a struggling artist in the UK.

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Both Sister and I were taught how to play church hymns.

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He opens with the hymn “Abide With Me,” played in a reverent manner.

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A long-lost hymn of praise dating back to around 1000 BCE has been identified through modern technology.

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Sarah Mullally, who is going to become the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered a reading before a hymn was sung.

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Related Words

• chant 
• ditty 
• oratorio 
• paean 
• psalm