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

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

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