hymn book
C1Formal, Religious
Definition
Meaning
A book containing the words and often the musical notation of hymns, used in religious worship.
A physical or digital collection of sacred songs or poems, typically used by a congregation during a church service. It can also metaphorically refer to a standard or foundational set of principles or texts in a particular field.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete noun referring to a physical object. The term is specific to Christian liturgical practice. The spelling 'hymnbook' as one word is also common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Hymnal' is a slightly more formal synonym used equally in both varieties. The compound spelling 'hymnbook' is slightly more common in American English, while 'hymn book' (two words) is slightly more common in British English, but both forms are accepted in both regions.
Connotations
Identical connotations of tradition, congregational worship, and Christian liturgy.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within religious contexts. Rare in secular discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[congregation/choir/worshipper] + use/look up in/open + the hymn book[church/denomination] + publishes/uses + a hymn bookThe hymn book + contains/includes + [hymn number/title]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not in the hymn book. (Meaning: It's unconventional or not part of the standard procedure.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or musicological studies discussing liturgy or religious music.
Everyday
Used primarily by individuals in religious communities or when referring to church activities.
Technical
Used in liturgical studies, church administration (ordering supplies), and music publishing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The vicar asked the congregation to hymn book their way to number 245.
- (Note: This is a highly non-standard, creative use, implying 'to use a hymn book to find').
American English
- (No standard verb form exists. The concept is expressed as 'look up in the hymnal').
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The hymn-book selection was traditional.
- They followed a hymn-book order of service.
American English
- The hymnbook publisher released a new edition.
- It was a standard hymnbook hymn.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hymn book is on the chair.
- We sing from the hymn book.
- Please open your hymn books to page 52 for the next song.
- The church bought new hymn books for the choir.
- The old hymn book, with its leather cover, contained many forgotten Victorian hymns.
- Debates about modernising the hymn book often divide the congregation.
- Theologians analysed the 1982 hymn book as a document reflecting the church's shifting doctrinal emphases.
- His argument was so orthodox it seemed lifted directly from the party's political hymn book.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HUMming congregation (HYMN) looking at a BOOK.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HYMN BOOK IS A REPOSITORY OF TRADITIONAL WISDOM/FAITH. (e.g., 'That policy is straight out of the old party hymn book.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'гимн книга'. The correct Russian equivalent is 'сборник гимнов' or 'гимнал' (rare).
- Do not confuse with 'prayer book' ('молитвенник'). A hymn book is specifically for singing.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'him book' or 'hym book'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to hymn book' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with a 'Bible' or 'missal'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise synonym for 'hymn book' in a formal church context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'hymn book' (open compound) and 'hymnbook' (closed compound) are correct. Dictionaries may list one as the headword, but both are widely used.
A hymn book contains hymns (metrical songs of praise). A psalter contains the Biblical Psalms, often set to music. Many hymn books include some psalms, but a psalter is specifically dedicated to them.
Yes, metaphorically. It can refer to a standard set of approved ideas or practices in any organisation (e.g., 'That proposal isn't in the company hymn book').
No. Many now use projected lyrics on screens or digital hymn books on tablets. The term can still apply to the digital collection.