hosanna

Everyday

1. (Bible, church) Hosanna is a shout of praise to God; the crowds shouted «Hosanna!» when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. tree →
2. A hosanna is a shout or song of praise or joy. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education the Palm Sunday story tells of people waving palm branches and calling «Hosanna to the Son of David!»; it is sung in many church services and hymns. Its first meaning in Hebrew was «save us, please». Phrases: «Hosanna in the highest», «sing hosanna», «shouts of hosanna».

Examples

• The crowd shouted «Hosanna!» as Jesus rode in on a donkey. tree →
• On Palm Sunday we sing «Hosanna in the highest». tree →
• The choir sang a joyful hosanna. tree →
• Children waved palm leaves and called «Hosanna!». tree →
• «Hosanna» comes from Hebrew words meaning «save us». tree →
• The hymn ends with a great hosanna. tree →
• The vicar explained the meaning of hosanna. tree →

Note

Often capital H in church texts. Spelling: one s, double n: h-o-s-a-n-n-a. Mostly used in church; it sounds odd in everyday talk.