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

“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.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, they learn to sing the local language in a lovely faerie hymnal.

From Los Angeles Times