carol

1 of 2

noun

car·​ol ˈker-əl How to pronounce carol (audio)
ˈka-rəl
1
: an old round dance with singing
2
: a song of joy or mirth
the carol of a birdLord 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 How to pronounce carol (audio)
ˈka-rə-

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
Leading the carol is an ensemble of UO collectible characters like Monchichi, Moomin, Kewpie, Calico Critters and Miffy. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 The Dahl traditions include singing carols in harmony at the drop of a hat, but the gathering is anything but harmonious. Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
There will be special menus and holiday sweets like gingerbread houses plus a range of seasonal entertainment like caroling choirs and parades. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The ceremony that begins Light Up Nemacolin kicks off festivities that include caroling and a photo with Santa, among other fun experiences. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for carol 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of carol was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near carol

Cite this Entry

“Carol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carol. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

carol

1 of 2 noun
car·​ol ˈkar-əl How to pronounce carol (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on carol

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