hymnal

[ him-nl ]

noun

1. Also called hymn·book [him, -b, oo, k]. a book of hymns for use in a religious service.

adjective

1. of or relating to hymns.

hymnal

/ ˈhɪmnəl /

noun

1. a book of hymns

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymnal¹

1535–45; hymnal ( indef 1 ) < Medieval Latin hymnāle, noun use of neuter of hymnālis (adj.); hymnal ( indef 2 ) < Medieval Latin hymnālis; hymn, -al ¹, -al ²

Example Sentences

As the song came into bloom, an Eddie Vedder-shaped shadow led what felt like a secular hymnal consecrating the proceedings.

From Seattle Times

The gambit worked; even Justice Clarence Thomas, who once sang from the Chevron hymnal, turned against the precedent after he was befriended by its billionaire foes.

From Slate

The only way they could be brought back to the GOP hymnal is to gently, persistently, non-judgmentally help them discover for themselves Trump's genuine contempt for them, our country and its health and wellbeing.

From Salon

The band beat Willie Nelson, among others, in February for the Best Roots Gospel album honor for “The Urban Hymnal.”

From Seattle Times

Opening with a nearly hymnal chorus, it rushes through its agitated verses, ending at the point where the narrator is told he has to go on strike, a decision that turns this into a rallying call of sorts.

From Los Angeles Times