What does hymnist mean?
A hymnist is a writer of hymns: poems or songs intended for religious worship, often with text suitable for communal singing. The term usually refers to the author of the words, although it does not exclude someone who also composed the music. A hymnist may be known for a particular collection, denomination, period, or style of religious verse. In ordinary discussion, the clearer expression “hymn writer” is more common. The word nevertheless remains useful in literary, musical, and historical contexts, where it neatly identifies a person whose creative work consists of sacred or devotional songs. The distinction between a hymnist and a psalm writer is not absolute: psalms are sacred poems, some of which are set to music, but a hymnist may write new devotional texts rather than compose or transmit psalms themselves.
nounA hymnist is a person who writes hymns, especially by composing their words or text.
- A person who writes hymns; a hymn writer.
"The renowned hymnist gave the chorus a new set of solemn, memorable words."
"She was one of the century's most influential hymnists."
"The archive credits the hymnist with the text but does not identify the composer."
The standard plural refers to multiple people who write hymns.
"Several hymnists contributed verses to the collection."
A hymnist gives a melody its voice: the words that turn music into a song of shared belief.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hymnist come from?
The word is formed from “hymn” and the suffix “-ist,” meaning a person who does or specializes in something. “Hymn” comes through Latin “hymnus” from Greek “hymnos,” meaning “song” or “hymn.” Related English words such as “hymnary,” “hymnody,” and “hymnology” continue this Greek musical and poetic tradition.
How hymnist is actually used
This is an uncommon, somewhat formal or historical term. It usually emphasizes the writing of a hymn's text, although an individual hymnist may also have composed its music.