hymn

[him]

noun

1. a song or ode in praise or honor of God, a deity, a nation, etc.

   Synonyms: paean, psalm, anthem

2. something resembling this, as a speech, essay, or book in praise of someone or something.

verb (used with object)

1. to praise or celebrate in a hymn; express in a hymn.

verb (used without object)

1. to sing hymns.

hymn

/ ˈhɪmnɪk, hɪm /

noun

1. a Christian song of praise sung to God or a saint

2. a similar song praising other gods, a nation, etc

verb

1. to express (praises, thanks, etc) by singing hymns

Other Word Forms

• hymnic adjective
• hymnlike adjective
• hymner noun
• unhymned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymn¹

before 1000; < Latin hymnus < Greek hýmnos song in praise of gods or heroes; replacing Middle English ymne (< Old French ) and Old English ymn (< Late Latin ymnus )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymn¹

C13: from Latin hymnus, from Greek humnos

Example Sentences

An elegiac hymn to the dead end of hometown life, the song captures Currie’s ability to wrap melancholy lyrics in a catchy melody.

From Los Angeles Times

The TV personality said his father had the "most perfect, peaceful end" with Welsh hymns playing in the background as his grandsons said goodbye on the phone on Monday.

From BBC

They all sang from the same hymn sheet.

From BBC

The funeral was live streamed online and included hymns sung by a choir.

From BBC

But in many ways they are singing from the same hymn sheet already.

From BBC

Related Words

• chant 
• ditty 
• oratorio 
• paean 
• psalm