Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

hymnal

American  
[him-nl] / ˈhɪm nl /

noun

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


adjective

  1. of or relating to hymns.

hymnal British  
/ ˈhɪmnəl /

noun

  1. a book of hymns

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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 • Apr. 17, 2025

“It brings back memories,” he said, carrying a hefty Bible and hymnal under one arm.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

I knew there could not be any minister, but the marriage ceremony was all written out in the back of the hymnal.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "hymnal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com