gospel music: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal when discussing music; metaphorical use can be informal.
Quick answer
What does “gospel music” mean?
A genre of Christian music characterized by dominant vocals (often in harmony), strong rhythms, and lyrics based on the teachings of the Bible, particularly the New Testament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genre of Christian music characterized by dominant vocals (often in harmony), strong rhythms, and lyrics based on the teachings of the Bible, particularly the New Testament.
Any music expressing Christian themes in an emotive, uplifting style; by extension, can refer to any deeply held belief or principle presented with fervent conviction (e.g., 'preaching the gospel of sustainability').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The genre originated in the US, so American cultural reference is primary.
Connotations
In the UK, often perceived as a specifically American art form, linked to African-American culture and history. In the US, it's a deeply embedded, multi-faceted genre with regional and denominational variations.
Frequency
More frequently used and referenced in American English due to its cultural prominence.
Grammar
How to Use “gospel music” in a Sentence
[Listen to/play/sing] gospel musicThe [sound/roots/tradition] of gospel music[Inspired by/influenced by] gospel musicVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gospel music” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The choir will gospel at the festival next week.
- She's been gospelling since she was a child.
American English
- The band loves to gospel every Sunday.
- He gospelled his way through the set list.
adverb
British English
- The singer performed the hymn gospel-style.
American English
- They sang it real gospel.
adjective
British English
- She has a powerful gospel voice.
- The event featured a gospel workshop.
American English
- He's a gospel musician from Chicago.
- They recorded in a classic gospel style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in music industry contexts (e.g., 'gospel music market').
Academic
Used in musicology, religious studies, cultural studies, and African-American history.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, church, or metaphorically for strong beliefs.
Technical
In music, refers to specific harmonic (call-and-response), rhythmic, and lyrical conventions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gospel music”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gospel music”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gospel music”
- Using 'gospel' as a countable noun for a song (prefer 'gospel song' or 'gospel tune', not 'a gospel'). Confusing 'gospel music' with 'Gregorian chant' or general 'hymns'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origins and most famous traditions are in African-American churches, gospel music is performed globally by people of many ethnicities in various Christian denominations.
Spirituals are older, folk-based songs from the slavery era, often with coded messages. Gospel music developed later (early 20th century), is more formally composed, and is typically more upbeat and celebratory, reflecting post-emancipation hope.
Yes, metaphorically. Phrases like 'the gospel of efficiency' or 'take it as gospel' use the term to mean a set of guiding principles or an unquestioned truth, devoid of religious content.
Typically not. 'Gospel' is used as a mass noun (like 'jazz' or 'blues'). You listen to 'gospel music', not 'a gospel'. For a single song, say 'a gospel song' or 'a gospel tune'.
A genre of Christian music characterized by dominant vocals (often in harmony), strong rhythms, and lyrics based on the teachings of the Bible, particularly the New Testament.
Gospel music is usually neutral to formal when discussing music; metaphorical use can be informal. in register.
Gospel music: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒsp(ə)l ˌmjuːzɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːsp(ə)l ˌmjuːzɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Preach the gospel (of something)”
- “Take something as gospel”
- “Gospel truth”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GOSPEL: God's Own Songs Provide Emotional Lift.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF IS A SONG; CERTAINTY IS A HYMN; CONVICTION IS A CHOIR.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of traditional gospel music?