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Gregorian chant
noun
: a monodic and rhythmically free liturgical chant of the Roman Catholic Church
Examples of Gregorian chant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The song features Timbaland’s iconic Gregorian chant, giving it a divine and almost ethereal feel.
—Ben Welles, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024
The monks have appeared periodically in the Tribune since then, and have been named in local publications recognizing their tradition of Gregorian chant and the contrast between their institution and Bridgeport.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 20 Oct. 2024
From the cave paintings of Lascaux to the Gregorian chants of medieval churches to the Renaissance’s Mona Lisa, art has chronicled the human experience, transcending time and geography.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024
For 300 years, it was perched in a cathedral in Piacenza and read by a choir which stood in the distance and sang the notes to a Gregorian chant.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
In addition to Gregorian chant, the concert will include music by composers noted for their profoundly mystical works, like Palestrina, Arvo Pärt and Olivier Messiaen.
—Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024
Duruflé was devoted to Gregorian chant, and his Requiem is based on plainchant themes taken from the traditional Catholic Mass of the Dead.
—Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024
Ethel Cain Emerging singer-songwriter Ethel Cain is known for an ethereal sound inspired by Gregorian chants and her experience growing up as a trans woman in a Christian family.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2023
The Vespers are a monumental compendium of styles: Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, operatic laments, courtly dance, intimate vocal games in a madrigal vein.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1728, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near Gregorian chant
Cite this Entry
“Gregorian chant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gregorian%20chant. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Gregorian chant
noun
: a simple tune with no regular rhythm that is sung in unison and without accompaniment in services of the Roman Catholic Church
More from Merriam-Webster on Gregorian chant
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Gregorian chant
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