A
hymn is a type of
song, usually
religious, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or
prayer, and typically addressed to a
deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or
personification. The word
hymn derives from
Greek (
hymnos), which means "a song of praise". The singing of hymns is called
hymnody. Collections of hymns are known as
hymnals or hymn books. Hymns may or may not include instrumental accompaniment.