carol

car-ol · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A religious song or hymn, especially one sung at Christmas.

  2. 2.

    To sing carols, especially at Christmas.

  3. 3.

    A female given name.

  4. 4.

    A joyful song or hymn of praise.

  5. 5.

    To sing joyfully.

Forms

plural: carols

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Christmas carol — a song sung during the Christmas season
  • •
    go caroling — to sing carols, typically door-to-door

Related words

See also: christmas, hymn, sing, song
Synonyms: chant, hymn, song

Etymology

From Old French "carole" meaning a ring dance with singing, possibly from Latin "choraula" meaning a flute player for a chorus dance. The word became associated with Christmas songs in the 15th century.