gospel

[gos-puhl]

noun

1. the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation.

2. the story of Christ's life and teachings, especially as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

3. (usually initial capital letter),  any of these four books.

4. something regarded as true and implicitly believed.

   to take his report for gospel.

5. a doctrine regarded as of prime importance.

   political gospel.

6. glad tidings, especially concerning salvation and the kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.

7. (often initial capital letter),  an extract from one of the four Gospels, forming part of the Eucharistic service in certain churches.

8. gospel music.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or proclaiming the gospel or its teachings.

   a gospel preacher.

2. in accordance with the gospel; evangelical.

3. of or relating to gospel music.

   a gospel singer.

gospel

¹

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. Also called: gospel truth. an unquestionable truth

   to take someone's word as gospel

2. a doctrine maintained to be of great importance

3. Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States

4. the message or doctrine of a religious teacher

5. 1. the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels

   2. the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ

   3. ( as modifier )

      the gospel story

Gospel

²

/ ˈɡɒspəl /

noun

1. any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

2. a reading from one of these in a religious service

gospel

1. The “good news” of salvation (see also salvation) (see Gospels). Certain styles of religious music are also called “gospel.” (See spirituals (see also spirituals).)

Other Word Forms

• nongospel adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gospel¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English go(d)spell, Old English gōdspell ( good, spell ² ); translation of Greek euangélion “good news” ( evangel ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gospel¹

Old English gōdspell, from gōd _good + spell message; see _spell ²; compare Old Norse guthspjall, Old High German guotspell

Example Sentences

The group cosponsored a 2023 gospel Mass at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove and marched in a procession a few weeks ago that decried the immigration raids terrorizing large swaths of Catholic Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

If that becomes gospel, MLB can turn its attention to choosing where new teams would call home.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilson advocates for a Christian world devoid of other religions and beliefs, “by peaceful means, by sharing the gospel,” and contrasts Christian theocracy with democratic rule.

From Salon

In the middle of the night … I’m still haunted by this mawkish pileup of gospel signifiers.

From Los Angeles Times

Faith is also important to Agyemang, and she listens to gospel music before matches to help get herself in the zone.

From BBC

Related Words

• dogma 
• faith 
• truth