alleluia

1 of 2

interjection

al·​le·​lu·​ia ˌa-lə-ˈlü-yə 

variants or Alleluia

: hallelujah entry 1

The Washington National Cathedral mourners filled the building with the song, "… Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!"

—Talia Naquin

In Britain it was not yet compulsory to agree with your leader. Alleluia to that.

—Quentin Letts

alleluia

2 of 2

noun

plural alleluias

: hallelujah entry 2

The entire season is marked by quiet restraint. Bold colors are removed from altars. Liturgical alleluias are left unsaid.

—Maria Mayo

In this cantata, it [the chorale] leads directly into the concluding Alleluia.

—Mark DeVoto

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek allēlouia, from Hebrew halălūyāh praise ye Jehovah

First Known Use

Interjection

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

alleluia

interjection

al·​le·​lu·​ia ˌal-ə-ˈlü-yə 

: hallelujah entry 1