carol

1 of 2

noun

car·​ol ˈker-əl How to pronounce carol (audio)
ˈka-rəl
1
: an old round dance with singing
2
: a song of joy or mirth
the carol of a birdLord Byron
3
: a popular song or ballad of religious joy

carol

2 of 2

verb

caroled or carolled; caroling or carolling

intransitive verb

1
: to sing especially in a joyful manner
2
: to sing carols
specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols

transitive verb

1
: to praise in or as if in song
2
: to sing especially in a cheerful manner : warble
caroler noun
or caroller
ˈker-ə-lər How to pronounce carol (audio)
ˈka-rə-

Examples of carol in a Sentence

Noun We sang our favorite carols while we decorated the tree. sang carols at the Christmas Eve service Verb Last night, we went caroling with our friends. she caroled with glee when she heard the good news
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
According to the outlet, it's understood that trees from Windsor (where Princess Kate, Prince William and their kids live!) used to festoon Westminster Abbey for the carol concert are donated to charities across London after. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 Live singing and contemporary carols fill the Gaylord’s sparkling atrium with cheer. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto Wander the grounds of a Roman Catholic sanctuary illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights with choir performances, a puppet show and carolers caroling at the top of every hour. Kale Williams, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024 Seasonal open houses, caroling parties, gingerbread decorating contests, and more have our calendars chockfull of holly jolly social calls. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for carol 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carol was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near carol

Cite this Entry

“Carol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carol. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

carol

1 of 2 noun
car·​ol ˈkar-əl How to pronounce carol (audio)
: a usually religious song of joy

carol

2 of 2 verb
caroled or carolled; caroling or carolling
1
: to sing especially in a joyful manner
2
: to sing carols and especially Christmas carols
caroler noun
or caroller

More from Merriam-Webster on carol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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