cherubicon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Technical (Liturgical Music)
Quick answer
What does “cherubicon” mean?
A hymn or liturgical chant in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, specifically the Cherubic Hymn sung during the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hymn or liturgical chant in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, specifically the Cherubic Hymn sung during the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.
Refers to the specific musical setting or text of the Cherubic Hymn; by extension, can denote any solemn, angelic-sounding piece of sacred music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage, as the term belongs to a specialized international religious lexicon.
Connotations
Carries the same formal, liturgical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with usage confined to theological, musicological, or devoutly religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cherubicon” in a Sentence
[Subject] chants/sings/perform the Cherubicon.The Cherubicon is [verb, e.g., intoned, heard].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in papers on Byzantine chant, liturgical studies, or Eastern Christian theology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to the specific hymn and its musical settings in liturgical rubrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cherubicon”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cherubicon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cherubicon”
- Using it as a general term for any religious music.
- Misspelling as 'cherubicom' or 'cherubikon'.
- Pronouncing it with a /k/ sound at the beginning (like 'character').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term used almost exclusively in contexts related to Eastern Christian liturgy and music.
No. That would be a 'cherub' or a 'putto'. 'Cherubicon' refers specifically to a hymn.
It is sung as the holy gifts are transferred to the altar, symbolising the faithful joining their prayers with the angelic hosts.
They are synonyms. 'Cherubicon' is the less common, more technical/Latin-derived term for the 'Cherubic Hymn'.
A hymn or liturgical chant in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, specifically the Cherubic Hymn sung during the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.
Cherubicon is usually formal, ecclesiastical, technical (liturgical music) in register.
Cherubicon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛrʊˈbɪkɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛrʊˈbɪkɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHERUB (angel) + ICON (a sacred image) -> a sacred 'sound-image' or hymn for angels.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE COMMUNICATION IS MUSIC; THE LITURGY IS A HEAVENLY DRAMA.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'cherubicon'?