Hymnbooks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collection of religious songs or poems typically used in worship services
2. Books containing a variety of hymns organized for congregational singing during religious ceremonies
3. Printed volumes that compile sacred music, often used in churches for communal worship and praise

Etymology: "Hymnbooks" is the plural of "hymnbook," a compound formed from "hymn" and "book." The plural simply adds the -s to the compound, so each volume is a collection of hymns, with the second part of the word naming the physical object and the first naming its contents. "Hymn" traces back to Greek "hymnos," a song of praise, while "book" comes from Old English "boc," which is related to the word for beech, reflecting the early use of beech wood for writing surfaces. Joining the two produced a plain, transparent name for a book of sung praise: a word that tells you exactly what it contains.