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

The carol led for five weeks last holiday season, following annual No. 1 runs of four weeks (over the 2022 holidays), three weeks (2021) and one week (2020). —Gary Trust, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2024

The classic carol didn’t make it into the top 10 of the chart until December 2017. —The Arizona Republic, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

The event will also include a ballet performance, snow globe photos, take-home kid's crafts, caroling and a visit from Santa. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024

They’re turned away repeatedly until arriving at their final destination, where they’re welcomed inside to piñatas, tamales, and caroling. —Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 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

Rhymes for carol

• barrel
• apparel

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