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interjection

alleluia

Alleluia (interjection) means an expression of praise or joy, especially in religious worship; a variant of "hallelujah.". Example: “The choir burst into a joyful "Alleluia!" at the end of the service.”

interjection
1
An expression of praise or joy, especially in religious worship; a variant of "hallelujah."
"The choir burst into a joyful "Alleluia!" at the end of the service."
noun
1
A piece of music or chant built around this word, often sung before the Gospel reading in church.
"The organist played the alleluia as the procession began."

How to use alleluia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA joyful shout or sung phrase of praise, most often heard in Christian worship.

Easily confused with

Word forms

alleluias plural

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The choir burst into a joyful "_____!" at the end of the service.

Etymology

Traced back through Latin and Greek to Biblical Hebrew halleluyah, literally "praise the Lord" — from hallelu ("praise") and Yah, a short form of the divine name.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for alleluia

See all rhymes for alleluia →

Frequently asked questions

What does “alleluia” mean?

The word “alleluia” means an expression of praise or joy, especially in religious worship; a variant of "hallelujah.". In plain terms, a joyful shout or sung phrase of praise, most often heard in Christian worship.

How do you use “alleluia” in a sentence?

Here is “alleluia” used in a sentence: “The choir burst into a joyful "Alleluia!" at the end of the service.”

What part of speech is “alleluia”?

Depending on how it is used, “alleluia” can be an interjection and a noun.

Where does the word “alleluia” come from?

The word “alleluia” comes from Latin. Traced back through Latin and Greek to Biblical Hebrew halleluyah, literally "praise the Lord" — from hallelu ("praise") and Yah, a short form of the divine name.

How many meanings does “alleluia” have?

“Alleluia” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an expression of praise or joy, especially in religious worship; a variant of "hallelujah.".

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