psalm
UK: sɑːm | US: sɑːm
n. a sacred song or hymn, especially one from the Book of Psalms in the Bible
n. (by extension) any devotional or spiritual song
The word "psalm" traces back to the Greek psalmos (ψαλμός), meaning "a song sung to harp music" or "a plucking of strings." It derives from psallein (ψάλλειν), "to pluck or play a stringed instrument." The term entered Old English via Latin psalmus, retaining its religious connotation as a sacred hymn. The silent "p" reflects its Greek origin, where "ps-" is a common initial cluster. Over time, "psalm" became specifically associated with the biblical Book of Psalms, a collection of poetic worship songs.
The choir sang a beautiful psalm during the Sunday service.
She found comfort in reading the psalms before bed.
The ancient psalms were originally accompanied by lyres.
His voice echoed through the chapel as he recited the psalm.
The book includes a modern interpretation of traditional psalms.