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

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

From spirituals to hymnody, and traditional Black gospel to the contemporary; the music of the Black church has always heralded the messages of its people, and its seasons of struggles and triumphs.

From Washington Post

“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

This course will examine some of our best-loved hymn texts and look at the broader tradition of western hymnody.

From Washington Post

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