hymnal

[him-nl]

noun

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

adjective

1. of or relating to hymns.

hymnal

/ ˈhɪmnəl /

noun

1. a book of hymns

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymnal¹

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

Example Sentences

With vocal writing of sublime, deceptive simplicity, “poor hymnal” gifts an unforgettable hour of kindness while becoming a moving manual for unpossessing.

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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.

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“Reputation‘s” slow-burn hit “Don’t Blame Me” follows a similar playbook, using a killer choral backing to achieve the same hymnal quality that complex vocal layering creates on “Elizabeth Taylor.”

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His hymnal theme begins as a gentle woodwind duet, which is passed to strings and then accelerates into soaring triumph to accompany Bryant’s heyday.

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“Coogler has orchestrated three clashing genres — drama, musical and monster movie — into a hymnal about the struggle to create something beautiful during your time on Earth,” she wrote.

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