canticle of canticles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very LowLiterary, Biblical, Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “canticle of canticles” mean?
An alternative and traditional name for the biblical book of the Song of Solomon, meaning 'The Song of Songs'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alternative and traditional name for the biblical book of the Song of Solomon, meaning 'The Song of Songs'.
It refers to the poetic book in the Bible celebrating love, often interpreted both literally as a dialogue between lovers and allegorically as representing the relationship between God and his people. In rare modern usage, it can be used figuratively to denote an exceptionally beautiful or significant song or poem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both primarily use 'Song of Songs' or 'Song of Solomon' in modern contexts, with 'Canticle of Canticles' being equally archaic and formal in both dialects.
Connotations
The term carries strong connotations of antiquity, formal biblical scholarship, Catholic liturgical tradition, and high literary style.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions. 'Song of Solomon' is the most common modern reference in general English, while 'Song of Songs' is also widely used. 'Canticle of Canticles' is more likely found in specific academic or traditional religious publications.
Grammar
How to Use “canticle of canticles” in a Sentence
[The] Canticle of Canticles + [verb: is, contains, describes]Quote + [from] + the Canticle of CanticlesIn + [the] + Canticle of Canticles + [chapter/verse]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, biblical studies, comparative literature, and historical religious contexts.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely; would be recognized only by those with biblical or literary knowledge.
Technical
Used as a specific title in biblical scholarship, liturgical calendars (e.g., in Catholicism), and commentaries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canticle of canticles”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canticle of canticles”
- Using it as a common noun: 'He wrote a canticle of canticles for her.' (Incorrect).
- Confusing it with other canticles (e.g., Canticle of Mary, Canticle of Zechariah).
- Misspelling: 'Canticle of Canticles' (correct), not 'Canticle of Canticle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are two different titles for the same book of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. 'Canticle of Canticles' is the translation from the Latin Vulgate (Canticum Canticorum), while 'Song of Songs' is a more direct translation from the Hebrew (Shir HaShirim).
No, this is not standard usage. It is a specific, proper noun for a biblical book. Using it for a modern song would be a very deliberate, archaic, and likely obscure literary metaphor, not a standard description.
A canticle is a hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of Christian liturgy (e.g., the Magnificat). It is distinct from a psalm. Outside of religious contexts, the word is rarely used.
The different names arise from translation traditions. The Hebrew title 'Shir HaShirim' translates to 'Song of Songs'. The Greek Septuagint used 'ᾎσμα ᾀσμάτων' (Asma Asmaton), and the Latin Vulgate used 'Canticum Canticorum'. English Bibles have variously used 'Song of Songs', 'Song of Solomon', and 'Canticles'.
An alternative and traditional name for the biblical book of the Song of Solomon, meaning 'The Song of Songs'.
Canticle of canticles is usually literary, biblical, formal, academic, theological in register.
Canticle of canticles: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæntɪkl əv ˈkæntɪklz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæntɪkəl əv ˈkæntɪkəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Figurative] A canticle of canticles for our time (meaning an ultimate or supreme expression in song form).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Canticle' sounds like 'can tickle' but is a sacred song. 'Of Canticles' means 'of songs'. So it's 'The Song of Songs'—the ultimate, most important song in the biblical canon.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ULTIMATE SONG IS THE SONG OF SONGS (A SUPERLATIVE METAPHOR: X of Xs). LOVE IS A SACRED POEM. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIVINE AND HUMAN IS A LOVERS' DIALOGUE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Canticle of Canticles' MOST appropriately used?