antiphon

noun

an·​ti·​phon ˈan-tə-fən How to pronounce antiphon (audio)
-ˌfän
1
: a psalm, anthem, or verse sung responsively
2
: a verse usually from Scripture said or sung before and after a canticle, psalm, or psalm verse as part of the liturgy

Examples of antiphon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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An antiphon is a short piece of religious text, most often derived from one of the Psalms, and set to music, usually in the form of a Gregorian chant. oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2020 Your manuscript appears to be a 16th century antiphon, and is ink on vellum, which is usually made of calfskin. oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2020 Consider using a disposable worship aid or the use of familiar hymns, songs, antiphons, and acclamations. Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, 8 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antiphone, from Middle French, from Late Latin antiphona — more at anthem

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiphon was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Antiphon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiphon. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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