Hymnody
/ˈhɪm.nə.di/noun
The practice or art of singing hymns, or a collection of hymns.
Did you know?Its roots go back to Greek *hymnos*, a word for a song of praise, and *-ōidía* from *aeidein* meaning “to sing,” so the word itself is built from the language of ritual voice.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hymnos
“A song of praise or worship, especially for a god or hero.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ōidē / ōidía
“A song or singing.”
Late Greek
Greek
hymnōidía
“Singing of hymns; hymn-singing.”
Middle English
English
hymnodye
“The singing or composition of hymns.”
Modern English
English
hymnody
“The practice or body of hymns used in worship.”