hymnal

American

[him-nl] / ˈhɪm nl /

noun

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

adjective

of or relating to hymns.

hymnal British

/ ˈhɪmnəl /

noun

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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

I kept looking at the hymnal, singing: “Send-ing rays of sun-shine, full of joy from birth.”

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023