missal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Liturgical), Historical
Quick answer
What does “missal” mean?
A book containing the texts for celebrating Mass throughout the year, including prayers and instructions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book containing the texts for celebrating Mass throughout the year, including prayers and instructions.
While primarily a Catholic liturgical book, the term can be used, especially in historical contexts, to refer to any book containing the service for the Mass. It may be extended metaphorically in literature to suggest a revered or sacred text of guidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The word is used identically in both varieties within religious and historical contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a formal, traditional, and specifically Roman Catholic context. In secular use, it carries historical or antiquarian connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Usage is almost entirely confined to discussions of Catholicism, liturgy, church history, or medieval manuscripts.
Grammar
How to Use “missal” in a Sentence
The priest read from the [missal].The [missal] contained beautiful illuminations.They consulted the [missal] for the proper prayers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, liturgical, and art history papers discussing Christian worship, manuscript studies, or church history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except by Catholics discussing church liturgy.
Technical
A precise term in Catholic liturgy and ecclesiastical history for the book containing the complete Mass liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “missal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “missal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “missal”
- Confusing 'missal' with 'missile' (a weapon) in spelling or pronunciation.
- Using it as a synonym for any religious text, like the Bible or a hymnal.
- Pronouncing it /maɪˈsɑːl/ (like 'missile') instead of /ˈmɪsəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A missal contains the specific prayers, readings, and instructions for celebrating Mass. While it includes Bible readings (the lectionary is often a separate book or part of the missal), it is a distinct liturgical book.
Yes. While the priest uses the official 'altar missal,' laypeople often use a 'people's missal' or 'Sunday missal' which contains the Mass prayers and readings to help them follow and participate in the service.
A missal is for the Mass (the Eucharist). A breviary (or Liturgy of the Hours) is for the daily cycle of prayers said at various hours (like Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer) by clergy and religious, and some laypeople.
It is a highly specialised term from a specific religious context (Catholic liturgy). Outside of that context, historical study, or the antique book trade, most people have no need to use the word.
A book containing the texts for celebrating Mass throughout the year, including prayers and instructions.
Missal is usually formal, technical (liturgical), historical in register.
Missal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪs(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪsəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'missal']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MISSAL' as the 'MISSing ALtar' book — it's not missing, it's the essential book *on* the altar for Mass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOURCE OF SACRED INSTRUCTION (e.g., 'He treated the technical manual as his personal missal.').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'missal' primarily used for?