Noel
Americannoun
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(esp in carols) another word for Christmas
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rare (often not capital) a Christmas carol
Usage
What does Noel mean? Noel is another word for Christmas, the Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Most Christians celebrate the holiday on December 25, but it is celebrated on January 7 in the Orthodox Church due to the use of a different calendar. Christmas is also widely observed in secular (nonreligious) ways. Popular activities include the decoration of a Christmas tree and the exchange of gifts. However, the word Noel is often used in a religious context. It’s possible for people to wish each other a Happy Noel, but the word is perhaps most commonly seen written on things like Christmas cards and decorations. The word can also be used to refer to a Christmas carol or song (in which case it is not capitalized), but is no longer commonly used this way. Fittingly, most people know the word from the popular Christmas carol “The First Noel.”Example: We wish you and your family a joyous Noel!
Etymology
Origin of Noel
First recorded in 1805–15; from French Nöel, ultimately from Latin nātālis (diēs) “birthday”; see natal
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His wife, Noel Keomanila, has been at the same telecom-security company for 21 years, giving the household a steady income.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Speaking outside the court, Natalie's father Noel described the family's "unimaginable" pain and grief.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
“This is a pivotal moment for energy,” said Noel Hacegaba, chief executive of the Port of Long Beach.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
Oasis star and Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher met with then-City striker Mario Balotelli.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Two hundred meters out, Noel Duckworth and Ran Laurie made a play for the early lead, surging quickly past Germany and into second place behind Switzerland, pressing them hard.
From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
