carol

¹ American  

[kar-uhl] / ˈkær əl /

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.

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verb (used without object)

caroled, caroling, carolled, carolling

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)

caroled, caroling, carolled, carolling

1. to sing joyously.

2. to praise or celebrate in song.

Carol ² American  

[kar-uhl] / ˈkær əl /

noun

1. a male or female given name.

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Carol. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Carolingian.

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carol British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) to sing carols at Christmas

2. to sing (something) in a joyful manner

Other Word Forms

• caroler noun
• caroling noun
• outcarol verb (used with object)
• uncaroled adjective
• uncarolled adjective

Etymology

Origin of carol

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

Explanation

A carol is a religious song that's sung around Christmas time. In some towns, people who celebrate Christmas go to neighbors' houses and sing carols. The most well-known carols are Christmas carols, but word applies to other religious songs as well. Various hymns and folk songs are sometimes called carols, and you can use the word as a verb to mean "sing a carol." In the 14th century, carol meant "to sing," but also "to dance in a ring," from the Old French carole, "ring dance accompanied by singers," probably from the Greek khoraules, "flute player who accompanies the dance."

Example Sentences

She was also given police protection at a carol service where she was the special guest.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

The mother and daughter sat together to play a piece they know well by Scottish composer Erland Cooper, for Catherine's Christmas carol concert.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Britain's Princess Catherine and her daughter Charlotte have teamed up to perform a piano duet in a prerecorded clip for a Wednesday replay of a Christmas carol service.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

The Princess of Wales hosts her fifth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey, which champions individuals and organisations in the UK who have provided support to local communities.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

I hummed a carol as I walked away, finally feeling at peace.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson