Definition

1. Noun:
   • A song with religious themes or used in religious worship: A "religious song" is a musical composition with lyrics that express religious faith, devotion, or doctrine, often intended for use in a liturgical or devotional context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The choir performed a beautiful religious song during the service.
  • She finds comfort in listening to traditional religious songs.
  • Many cultures have their own unique forms of religious song.

Advanced Usage

• As a categorical term: The term "religious song" can be used broadly to categorize a genre of music, encompassing hymns, spirituals, gospel music, and psalms.
  • The festival featured a segment dedicated to American religious songs from the 19th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Hymn (n): A specific type of religious song, typically of praise and adoration, often used in Christian worship.
  • The congregation stood to sing the opening hymn.
• Spiritual (n): A type of religious song, originally created by African Americans, that expresses deep religious feeling.
  • "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is a well-known spiritual.
• Gospel (n): A genre of religious music characterized by dominant vocals and themes of Christian evangelism and praise.
  • Gospel music has influenced many other genres, like soul and rock.

Synonyms

• Sacred song: A song with a religious character or purpose.
• Devotional song: A song used for or expressing religious devotion.

Related Phrases

• Song of worship: A phrase emphasizing the song's function in an act of worship.
  • The band led the congregation in a song of worship.

Noun

1. religious music for singing