carol

1 of 2

noun

car·​ol ˈker-əl 

ˈka-rəl

1

: an old round dance with singing

2

: a song of joy or mirth

the carol of a bird

—Lord Byron

3

: a popular song or ballad of religious joy

carol

2 of 2

verb

caroled or carolled; caroling or carolling

intransitive verb

1

: to sing especially in a joyful manner

2

: to sing carols

specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols

transitive verb

1

: to praise in or as if in song

2

: to sing especially in a cheerful manner : warble

caroler noun

or caroller

ˈker-ə-lər 

ˈka-rə-

Synonyms

Noun

• anthem
• canticle
• chorale
• hymn
• psalm
• spiritual

Verb

• chant
• descant
• sing
• vocalize

Examples of carol in a Sentence

Noun

We sang our favorite carols while we decorated the tree.

sang carols at the Christmas Eve service

Verb

Last night, we went caroling with our friends.

she caroled with glee when she heard the good news

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In Greece, many children take part in the singing of carols during the holiday season. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024

The celebration will feature carols and a parade led by the Filipino community, showcasing lanterns rich in Philippine history and religious significance. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024

Verb

Beyond the familiar traditions like Santa Claus, a fir tree, caroling and gift-giving, a number of countries—including the U.S.—bring their own unique twists, both old and new, to the holiday. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

The town’s historic Victorian buildings make a historic backdrop for the many activities, including caroling, carriage rides and a Santa train ride. —Nerdwallet, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English carole, from Anglo-French, modification of Late Latin choraula choral song, from Latin, choral accompanist, from Greek choraulēs, from choros chorus + aulein to play a reed instrument, from aulos, a reed instrument — more at alveolus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing carol

• Christmas carol

Kids Definition

carol

1 of 2 noun

car·​ol ˈkar-əl 

: a usually religious song of joy

carol

2 of 2 verb

caroled or carolled; caroling or carolling

1

: to sing especially in a joyful manner

2

: to sing carols and especially Christmas carols

caroler noun

or caroller