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

Church members worked to move the altar, Bibles and hymnals away from the broken windows to a safer spot, he said.

From Seattle Times

He forged himself into the voice of his island and beyond, belting reggae anthems that have become hymnals to the world’s downtrodden, as well as anyone who likes a good groove.

From New York Times

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

Bibles and hymnals rested under every seat, but they weren’t used that Monday night last September.

From Seattle Times

Then, following her vociferous critiques of the church, was ordained a priest by a small renegade sect in Ireland that coincided with the release of her 2000 hymnal album “Faith and Courage.”

From Los Angeles Times