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