hymnology

1 9.1

The study of religious songs used in worship

noun
/hɪmˈnɑlədʒi/

Specialized

: himnología

The study of hymnology has greatly enriched our understanding of worship music throughout the ages.

Examples

In his course on hymnology, the professor explored the evolution of sacred songs in different cultures.
His work is a primitive illustration of the effects of Protestant theology and hymnology on his impressionable mind; nonetheless, toward the end of the century, he produced a significant prose work.

Academic text (1992)
Many churches offer classes in hymnology to teach the significance of hymns in their worship services.

Synonyms

hymnography

vshymnology

Specialized

9.9

The study or writing of religious songs used in worship

covers composition plus history and practical use in worship

How Liturgical

psalmody

Specialized

1 9.9

chanting

31 3.4

hymnology

Specialized

1 9.1

singing

332 1.0

Surface Forms

hymnology singular

hymnologies plural

Morphology

hymnology = hymn (transparent) = hymn + ology

The word is a straightforward combination of 'hymn' and the study suffix '-ology', so its meaning is directly recoverable from the parts.

Etymology

The word hymnology comes from the Greek parts hymn meaning 'song' or 'praise' and -ology meaning 'study', like the ending in biology. So, hymnology is the study of hymns, the songs used in worship, their history and how they are made.