Magnificat
Americannoun
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(italics) the hymn of the Virgin Mary in Luke, 1:46–55, beginning “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” used as a canticle at evensong or vespers.
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a musical setting for this.
noun
Etymology
Origin of Magnificat
1150–1200; Middle English < Latin: (it) magnifies (from the first word of the hymn)
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.
The musician is best known for his choral compositions, including Christmas carols, anthems and extended works such as the Gloria, the Requiem and the Magnificat.
From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2025
Bach’s Magnificat and more, plus an audience sing-along.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 7, 2019
Bach’s Christmas Magnificat was written in 1723 when Bach was a very busy and underpaid teacher and music director in Leipzig.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 9, 2016
I had settled down on the sidewalk when the group started on the opening movement of C. P. E. Bach’s Magnificat, an irresistibly jubilant piece.
From New York Times ● Jun. 22, 2015
A single meeting might include a recital of the Magnificat in Latin by a group of Roman Catholics, a whispered hymn by some Lutherans, and a sotto-voce chant by Eastern Orthodox women.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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