carol

¹

[ kar-uhl ]

noun

1. a song, especially of joy.
2. a Christmas song or hymn.
3. a seat in a bay window or oriel.
4. a compartment in a cloister, similar to a carrel.
5. a kind of circular dance.

verb (used without object)

, car·oled, car·ol·ing or (especially British) car·olled, car·ol·ling.

1. to sing Christmas songs or hymns, especially in a group performing in a public place or going from house to house.
2. to sing, especially in a lively, joyous manner; warble.

verb (used with object)

, car·oled, car·ol·ing or (especially British) car·olled, car·ol·ling.

1. to sing joyously.
2. to praise or celebrate in song.

Carol

²

[ kar-uhl ]

noun

1. a male or female given name.

Carol.

³

abbreviation for

1. Carolingian.

carol

/ ˈkærəl /

noun

1. a joyful hymn or religious song, esp one (a Christmas carol ) celebrating the birth of Christ
2. archaic.
   an old English circular dance

verb

1. intr to sing carols at Christmas
2. to sing (something) in a joyful manner

Derived Forms

• ˈcaroling, noun
• ˈcaroler, noun

Other Words From

• carol·er especially British, carol·ler noun
• outcarol verb (used with object) outcaroled outcaroling or (especially British) outcarolled outcarolling
• un·caroled adjective
• un·carolled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carol¹

1250–1300; Middle English carole ring, circle (of stones), enclosed place for study ( carrel ), ringdance with song (hence, song) < Anglo-French carole, Old French *corole (compare Old Provençal corola ), apparently < Latin corolla garland ( corolla ), conflated with Latin choraula < Greek choraúlēs piper for choral dance, equivalent to chor ( ós ) chorus + -aulēs, derivative of aulós pipe

Word History and Origins

Origin of carol¹

C13: from Old French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The carol service is supported by the Royal Foundation, the charity which supports the work of the prince and princess.

From BBC

On Tuesday, she held a meeting in Windsor Castle, to plan her annual Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey.

From BBC

She will be carrying out a few engagements this year, which could include Remembrance events in November and her annual Christmas carol concert.

From BBC

Soon, the house was filled with friends and neighbors and Mrs. Brisbane played piano while everyone sang carols and drank hot cider.

From Literature

On Christmas morning near the ruins of Ypres, German troops in their trenches opposite the British began to sing carols and display bits of holiday evergreen.

From Literature