Nunc Dimittis

[ nuhngk di-mit-is, noongk ]

noun

1. (italics) the canticle beginning with the words of Simeon, in Luke 2:29–32, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.”
2. (lowercase) permission to leave; dismissal or departure.

Nunc Dimittis

/ ˈnʌŋk dɪˈmɪtɪs; ˈnʊŋk /

noun

1. the Latin name for the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32)
2. a musical setting of this

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nunc Dimittis¹

From Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nunc Dimittis¹

from the opening words (Vulgate): now let depart

Example Sentences

At the peaceful heart of “Media vita,” after the polyphony has sucked you in, comes the solemn, unadorned “Nunc dimittis.”

From New York Times

Three verses follow the “Nunc dimittis,” each a test of faith.

From New York Times

Partly audible on Alamire’s release from earlier this year, Mr. Smart’s adjustments include replacing the opening edifice with a six-note chant, moving the “Nunc dimittis” to the front, and curtailing those enthralling repetitions of the “Sancte” sections.

From New York Times

The choir produced similar slow-moving textures in Arvo Pärt’s “Nunc dimittis,” with the melody morphing imperceptibly from section to section over a full dynamic range.

From Washington Post

Compline is a simple service, including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, versicles and responses, the Lord’s Prayer, and the canticle Nunc Dimittis.

From Washington Post