hymnody

[ him-nuh-dee ]

noun

1. the singing or the composition of hymns or sacred songs.
2. hymns collectively, especially the collective hymns of a specific religion, place, or period.

hymnody

/ hɪmˈnɒdɪkəl; ˈhɪmnədɪ /

noun

1. the composition or singing of hymns
2. hymns collectively

Derived Forms

• hymnodical, adjective

Other Words From

• hym·nod·i·cal [him-, nod, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• hymno·dist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymnody¹

1705–15; < Medieval Latin hymnōdia < Greek hymnōidía chanting of a hymn, equivalent to hýmn ( os ) hymn + ōidía singing ( aoid- sing ( ode ) + -ia -ia )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymnody¹

C18: from Medieval Latin hymnōdia, from Greek humnōidia, from humnōidein to chant a hymn, from hymn + aeidein to sing

Example Sentences

It is doubtful if there is a nobler hymn of its kind in all the realm of hymnody.

From Project Gutenberg

With these writers the age of Latin hymnody is brought to a close.

From Project Gutenberg

Our best accounts of early Christian hymnody are often subordinated to a general history of Christian hymns.

From Project Gutenberg

Traces of poetic improvisation, which is so closely allied to hymnody, must be seriously considered at this point.

From Project Gutenberg

It was only natural that the hymnody of the Old Testament should have exerted a marked influence upon Christian practice.

From Project Gutenberg