¹gospel

noun gos·pel \ˈgäs-pəl\

: the teachings of the Christian religion

Gospel : any one of the first four books of the Christian Bible that tell of the life of Jesus Christ

: an idea or set of ideas that someone believes and often tries to make other people believe

Full Definition of GOSPEL

a often capitalized : the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation

b capitalized : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; also : a similar apocryphal book

c : an interpretation of the Christian message <the social gospel>

capitalized : a lection from one of the New Testament Gospels

: the message or teachings of a religious teacher

: something accepted or promoted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine <took her words as gospel> <spreading the gospel of conservation — R. M. Hodesh>

: gospel music

— gos·pel·ly \ˈgäs-pə-lē\ adjective

See gospel defined for English-language learners

See gospel defined for kids

Origin of GOSPEL

Middle English, from Old English gōdspel (translation of Late Latin evangelium), from gōd good + spell tale — more at spell

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to GOSPEL

Synonyms: credo, doctrine, dogma, creed, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, testament

²gospel

adjective

Definition of GOSPEL

a : having a basis in or being in accordance with the gospel : evangelical <ordained to the gospel ministry — Christian Century>

b : marked by special or fervid emphasis on the gospel <a gospel meeting>

: of, relating to, or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues