Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
HYMN
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English ymne, from Old English ymen, from Latin hymnus song of praise, from Greek hymnos Date: before 12th century
1. a song of praise to God, a metrical composition adapted for singing in a religious service, a song of praise or joy, something resembling a hymn ; paean , hymnlike adjective
II. verb (hymned; hymning)
Date: 1667
transitive verb to praise or worship in or as if in hymns , intransitive verb to sing a hymn