What does psalmody mean?
Psalmody is the singing of psalms, usually in a religious or worship setting. It may refer either to the activity itself, as when a congregation participates in psalmody, or to a collection of psalms arranged for singing. The word has a formal and traditional character, often suggesting communal worship, plainchant, or the performance of sacred texts. It is related in meaning to hymnody and psalms, but is more specifically associated with the singing of biblical psalms. Although uncommon in modern conversation, psalmody remains useful for describing both a distinctive devotional practice and the historical musical traditions of churches and religious communities.
The act or practice of singing psalms, especially in a religious service.
"The minister invited the congregation to join in psalmody."
A formal or traditional term, commonly used in religious, liturgical, or historical contexts.
A collection of psalms intended for singing.
"The choir performed a psalmody selected for the service."
Less common than the sense referring to the act of singing psalms.
The plural is used for separate collections or acts of psalmody.
"The archive preserves several medieval psalmodies."
Psalmody turns a collection of sacred poems into a shared performance, giving worshippers a way to sing the words together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does psalmody come from?
Psalmody comes from Greek psalmos, meaning a song or hymn, combined with the suffix -ody, a form of Greek ōidē meaning song. The compound entered English during the early modern period and developed a strong association with the singing of biblical psalms. Its relatives include psalm, psalmist, psalter, and psaltery, all of which reflect the same Greek musical and poetic tradition.
Related word forms
How psalmody is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon in everyday English and has a formal, religious, or literary tone. In British usage it is especially associated with the practice of singing psalms in church.
Easily confused with psalmody
A psalm is a sacred song or poem, whereas psalmody is the act or practice of singing psalms.
A psalter is a book containing a collection of psalms, while psalmody refers to singing psalms.