What does introit mean?
An introit is the opening portion of a Christian service, especially the Mass, and is normally sung or chanted by a choir or congregation. Its name reflects its ceremonial role as the point at which worshippers formally enter the service, often as a procession begins. In musical writing, an introit can also mean an introductory movement preceding a larger composition, particularly a sacred work. The term belongs mainly to liturgical and formal literary English rather than everyday vocabulary. Its musical form is varied: the text may be a psalm verse, antiphon, chant, or another setting appropriate to the day. Although modern services may use an introit in the vernacular, the word itself remains associated with traditional worship and a sense of solemnity, making it a precise term for a formal musical opening.
nounThe opening part of a Christian service, especially the Mass, which is typically sung. In music, the term can also denote an introductory movement or prelude to a larger work.
- The sung or chanted opening of a Christian service, especially the Mass.
- An introductory musical movement or prelude, especially one preceding a larger sacred work.
"The choir sang the introit in English during the opening of Mass."
"The solemn introit was accompanied by the organ as the procession entered."
"The suite opened with a brief introit for strings."
The plural is uncommon and is used when referring to several liturgical introits or introductory musical works.
"The collection includes introits for Easter and Christmas."
The introit is the doorway of the Mass: it ushers the congregation into the service while giving the opening words their music.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does introit come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin introitus, meaning “entrance” or “a going in.” Latin introitus was formed from introire, “to enter,” composed of intro, “inward,” and ire, “to go.” The ecclesiastical sense developed in medieval Latin as the name for the sung portion at the beginning of the Mass, while the broader musical sense refers to an introductory composition.
How introit is actually used
The word is chiefly associated with Anglican, Catholic, and other liturgical traditions. It is formal and relatively uncommon in ordinary speech, while the musical sense is mainly literary.
Easily confused with introit
An intro is an informal introduction to a person, activity, or piece of content, whereas an introit is normally a formal or sung opening to a service or musical work.