Magnificat

American  

[mag-nif-i-kat, -kaht, mahg-nif-i-kaht, mahn-yif-] / mægˈnɪf ɪˌkæt, -ˌkɑt, mɑgˈnɪf ɪˌkɑt, mɑnˈyɪf- /

noun

1. (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.

2. a musical setting for this.

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Magnificat British  

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪˌkæt /

noun

1. Christianity the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55), used as a canticle

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Etymology

Origin of Magnificat

1150–1200; Middle English < Latin: (it) magnifies (from the first word of the hymn)

Example Sentences

Bach’s Magnificat and more, plus an audience sing-along.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2019

Still keeping the pews warm in the capital is Doorkins Magnificat, the cat-in-residence at Southwark Cathedral.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2018

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

I go up to my room and look for Mango, whose official name is Mango the Magnificat.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass