Hymnbook: meaning, definitions and examples

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hymnbook

 

[ ˈhɪm.bʊk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious context

A hymnbook is a collection of hymns, which are songs of praise typically sung in a religious setting. It serves as a resource for congregations and choirs during worship services. Hymnbooks may include not only the lyrics but also musical notation, helping singers to perform the hymns correctly. They can vary in content depending on the religious denomination and may include hymns from different cultures and periods.

Synonyms

hymnals, psalter, songbook.

Examples of usage

  • The church distributed new hymnbooks to its members.
  • During the service, everyone opened their hymnbooks to sing together.
  • The choir practiced the hymns from the old hymnbook.
  • Many hymnbooks also contain prayers and scripture passages.

Translations

Translations of the word "hymnbook" in other languages:

🇵🇹 livro de hinos

🇮🇳 भजन पुस्तक

🇩🇪 Gesangbuch

🇮🇩 buku himne

🇺🇦 гімн книга

🇵🇱 śpiewnik

🇯🇵 賛美歌集

🇫🇷 livre de cantiques

🇪🇸 libro de himnos

🇹🇷 ilahi kitabı

🇰🇷 찬송가 책

🇸🇦 كتاب الترانيم

🇨🇿 zpěvník

🇸🇰 spevníková kniha

🇨🇳 赞美诗集

🇸🇮 knjiga himnov

🇮🇸 lofsöngsbók

🇰🇿 ән кітап

🇬🇪 ჰიმნების წიგნი

🇦🇿 himn kitabı

🇲🇽 libro de himnos

Etymology

The term 'hymnbook' is derived from the combination of 'hymn,' which comes from the Greek word 'hymnos,' meaning a song of praise, especially in religious observance, and 'book,' originating from the Old English 'bōc,' meaning a written work or collection of written pages. Hymns have been an integral part of many religious practices for centuries, with early examples found in ancient cultures where songs were sung as offerings to deities. The practice of compiling these hymns into books became prevalent during the Middle Ages when churches began to formalize worship practices. With the advent of the printing press in the 15th century, hymnbooks could be mass-produced, making them more accessible to the general population. This era saw the creation of many famous hymnbooks, which contributed significantly to the development of congregational singing in Christianity. Throughout history, hymnbooks have evolved to include a wide range of hymns, reflecting theological changes and cultural contexts, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship songs.