carol

¹car·ol

noun \ˈker-əl, ˈka-rəl\

Definition of CAROL

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

Examples of CAROL

1. We sang our favorite carols while we decorated the tree.
2. <sang carols at the Christmas Eve service>

Origin of CAROL

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: 14th century

Related to CAROL

Synonyms: anthem, canticle, hymn, chorale, psalm, spiritual

Related Words: dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; Gloria Patri, hallelujah, paean; mass, oratorio; processional, recessional

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with CAROL

aril, barrel, carrel, parol, parrel