chorale

noun

cho·​rale kə-ˈral  -ˈräl 

1

: a hymn or psalm sung to a traditional or composed melody in church

also : a harmonization of a chorale melody

a Bach chorale

2

: chorus, choir

Synonyms of chorale

• hymn
• anthem
• psalm

Examples of chorale in a Sentence

practiced a chorale to perform in church

a chorale that is regarded as being among the best in the state

Recent Examples on the Web

Meyers, performed works by Bach, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre alongside Grant Gershon, the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the chorale’s members. —Camelia Heins, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026

Though the male voices are greater in number, the top notes from the five female singers land as though from a practiced, full-time chorale. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Dec. 2025

This will be a full live production of Peter Rothstein’s a cappella chorale piece, offered as an add-on to the Playhouse on Park season subscription. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025

Three years later, the follow-up, Caroline 2, expands outward in every direction, pairing scraggy, strummed chorales with heart-on-sleeve mantras and distorted furore. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Choral, short for Choralgesang choral song

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chorale

• chorale prelude

Rhymes for chorale

• canal
• corral
• ghazal
• locale
• morale
• royale
• bal
• dal
• gal
• mal
• pal
• sal

Kids Definition

chorale

noun

cho·​rale kə-ˈral  -ˈräl 

1

: a sacred song sung by the choir or congregation or both at a church service : hymn

2

: chorus entry 1 sense 1b, choir