carol

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 

ˈka-rə-

Synonyms of carol

• chant
• sing

Examples of carol in a Sentence

Last night, we went caroling with our friends.

she caroled with glee when she heard the good news

Recent Examples on the Web

Costumed guides lead guests on a tour of the Single Brothers’ House, which includes caroling and traditional beeswax candle-making demonstrations. —Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

In some areas of the country, people may carol through fruit orchards as a way to bless crops. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Washington makes its Christmas debut Thursday, but the Landover, Md., loyalists don’t seem to be in the caroling spirit. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025

From Christmas cookies and baking to caroling, crafting, and the gifts under the tree, there is a lot to look forward to during the holiday season. —Fiona Tapp, Parents, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing carol

• Christmas carol

Rhymes for carol

• barrel
• apparel
• nonpareil

Kids Definition

carol

1 of 2 noun

car·​ol ˈkar-əl 

: 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