Main Entry: ¹car·ol

Pronunciation: \ˈker-əl, ˈka-rəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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