hymn-book

A choir member holds a hymn-book while singing.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A book containing a collection of hymns, which are religious songs or poems of praise, typically used in Christian worship services.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The congregation opened their hymn-books and sang together. (They used the book to follow the lyrics and music of the hymns.)
  • She found an old hymn-book in the church pew. (A physical book of hymns was discovered in a seat.)

Advanced Usage

• "to sing from the same hymn-book": an idiom meaning to be in agreement or to have a shared understanding, often used in a metaphorical sense beyond religious contexts.
  • The two politicians were clearly not singing from the same hymn-book during the debate. (They disagreed on key points, showing a lack of unity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hymnal (n): another term for a hymn-book, often used interchangeably.
  • The hymnal contained over 500 hymns. (The book of hymns had many songs.)
• Hymn (n): a religious song or poem of praise to God.
  • The choir sang a beautiful hymn during the service. (A specific religious song was performed.)
• Hymnody (n): the singing or composition of hymns.
  • The study of hymnody is part of liturgical music. (The practice of hymn creation and singing.)

Synonyms

• Hymnal: a book of hymns.
• Songbook: a book containing songs, though not necessarily religious.
• Psalter: a book containing the Psalms, often used in worship.

Related Idioms

• Sing from the same hymn-book: to be in agreement or to coordinate efforts.
  • The team needs to sing from the same hymn-book if they want to succeed. (They must share a consistent plan or viewpoint.)