hymnody

American  

[him-nuh-dee] / ˈhɪm nə di /

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.

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hymnody British  

/ hɪmˈnɒdɪkəl, ˈhɪmnədɪ /

noun

1. the composition or singing of hymns

2. hymns collectively

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Other Word Forms

• hymnodical adjective
• hymnodist noun

Etymology

Origin of hymnody

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Marshall’s music drew on a wealth of styles, from 18th-century hymnody and lush Romanticism to mid-20th century electronic composition and minimalism — a breadth of influences that made his music almost impossible to classify.

From Washington Post • Jun. 3, 2022

“Partita for 8 Voices” is a pattern book of vocal styles: its movements are stitched together from plainchant, percussive breathing, Early American hymnody, and half a dozen other techniques.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 4, 2019

A Prologue, Passion and Epilogue, extending for more than an 1¾ hours, combine spoken text, cowboy song, American hymnody and popular song, spirituals, jazz and dazzling polyphony, all woven into a seamless tapestry.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2016

Harsh, angular lines and abrasive textures cede to wistful melodies and touches of hymnody; unorthodox instrumental techniques enhance mood without distracting.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2012

Through the efforts of these translators, an increasing number of Lutheran hymns from the rich store of German and Scandinavian hymnody are being introduced in the hymn-books of this country.

From The Story of Our Hymns by Ryden, Ernest Edwin