hosanna

[ hoh-zan-uh ]

interjection

1. (an exclamation, originally an appeal to God for deliverance, used in praise of God or Christ.)

noun

, plural ho·san·nas.

1. a cry of “hosanna.”
2. a shout of praise or adoration; an acclamation.

verb (used with object)

, ho·san·naed, ho·san·na·ing.

1. to praise, applaud, etc.:

   The critics hosannaed his new play.

hosanna

/ həʊˈzænə /

interjection

1. an exclamation of praise, esp one to God

noun

1. the act of crying "hosanna"

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosanna¹

First recorded before 1000; from Late Latin (h)ōsanna, from Greek (h)ōsanná, from Hebrew hōshʿā-nā, shortening of hōsh(i) ʿāh nnā “save, we pray”; replacing Middle English, Old English osanna, from Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosanna¹

Old English osanna, via Late Latin from Greek, from Hebrew hōshi `āh nnā save now, we pray

Example Sentences

In all the hosannas to democracy from Biden and the political elites at MSNBC, what is lost is that democracy isn't an end in itself, but a means, ideally towards more good for more people.

From Salon

You’re not supposed to speak ill of the dead, so that explains the hosannas swirling around for Bishop Tod D. Brown.

From Los Angeles Times

Then the crowds descended on Mossadegh’s home, their eyes burning with fanatical fire, and shouted hosannas for the old man.

From Seattle Times

For this, the hosannas for Christie have been raining down from the perches of the most comfortable members of the political punditry.

From Salon

A new era of empowered female competitors, led by basketball players, will continue to demand change far beyond the easy hosannas of better swag, tastier food and all those signs proclaiming March Madness.

From New York Times

Related Words

• chant
• ditty
• oratorio
• paean
• psalm