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canticle

noun
can·​ti·​cle | \ ˈkan-ti-kÉ™l How to pronounce canticle (audio) \

Definition of canticle

: song specifically : one of several liturgical songs (such as the Magnificat) taken from the Bible
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Synonyms for canticle

Synonyms

anthem, carol, chorale, hymn, psalm, spiritual

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Examples of canticle in a Sentence

the monks offered up a canticle at dawn on Easter morning

Recent Examples on the Web

 Ancestor Glade is home to a rare canticle tree, the bark of which attracts a whisper of moths to aid you in deciphering an ancient Elder Scroll. — Cian Maheer, Washington Post, "From Ancestor Glade to Hyrule Castle, these are the eight wonders of the virtual world," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'canticle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of canticle

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for canticle

Middle English, from Latin canticulum, diminutive of canticum song, from cantus, past participle of canere

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More Definitions for canticle

canticle

noun
How to pronounce canticle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of canticle

: a song that has words from the Bible and that is used in Christian church services

See the full definition for canticle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on canticle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for canticle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canticle

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