What does hymnbook mean?
A hymnbook is a book of hymns used for singing, especially in a church service or another religious gathering. It generally contains the words and music of the hymns, often arranged to follow the order of a service. In a congregation, people may sing directly from hymnbooks, which help singers keep the same place and join in at the appropriate time. The term is neutral and can refer to a well-used, traditional volume or a modern printed or digital collection. A hymnal is a closely related word, but it usually emphasizes a book prepared for worship rather than simply any collection of hymns. Hymnbooks also have cultural significance: they can preserve the hymns, musical traditions, and sometimes the handwritten memories of the people who used them.
nounA book containing hymns for congregational or public singing, usually arranged in order of service or by subject. It may include the musical notation, words, and sometimes explanatory notes about the hymns and their authors.
- A book containing a collection of hymns, typically for use in Christian worship or other communal religious services.
"The congregation sang the final hymn from an old hymnbook passed down through generations."
"She found the old family hymnbook in the attic and carefully read the handwritten notes in its margins."
"The choir director asked the congregation to turn to page 46 in their hymnbooks."
The standard plural is “hymnbooks.”
"The charity collected hymnbooks for hospitals and care homes."
A hymnbook turns a service into a shared performance: every singer can find the same words, melody, and moment to join in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hymnbook come from?
The compound combines “hymn,” from Greek hymns, originally a term associated with praise or song, with “book,” from Old English bōc. The compound appeared in English in the 19th century as a name for a collection of sacred songs. Its related word “hymnal” comes from Latin, while “hymnody” and “hymnology” refer to the practice and study of hymns.
How hymnbook is actually used
The word is neutral and traditional in both British and American English. It is more specific than a general songbook because the songs collected are hymns, especially those associated with religious worship.
Easily confused with hymnbook
A hymnbook is the physical or digital book itself, while a hymnal is more specifically a book compiled for use in worship.