hymnal

American  

[him-nl] / ˈhɪm nl /

noun

1. Also called hymnbook.  a book of hymns for use in a religious service.

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adjective

1. of or relating to hymns.

hymnal British  

/ ˈhɪmnəl /

noun

1. a book of hymns

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns

Etymology

Origin of hymnal

1535–45; hymnal ( in def. 1 ) < Medieval Latin hymnāle, noun use of neuter of hymnālis (adj.); hymnal ( in def. 2 ) < Medieval Latin hymnālis; see hymn, -al ¹, -al ²

Example Sentences

He began using it as a hymnal bookmark—and a use was born. 3M employees tested them around the office and adored them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

On the power of the presidency – the scope of executive authority and the necessity for the White House to act forcefully when required – they were singing from the same hymnal.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

Then, following her vociferous critiques of the church, was ordained a priest by a small renegade sect in Ireland that coincided with the release of her 2000 hymnal album “Faith and Courage.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2023

Through this interfaith theme, Rajasekar blends traditions of liturgical worship, and creates a hymnal experience that again fosters human connection through the fluidity of shared stories.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022

I lifted the worn hymnal and smoothed my fingers over the pages as I flipped through them.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon