Carol

¹

[kar-uhl]

noun

1. a male or female given name.

Carol.

²

abbreviation

1. Carolingian.

carol

³

[kar-uhl]

noun

1. a song, especially of joy.

2. a Christmas song or hymn.

3. a seat in a bay window or oriel.

4. a compartment in a cloister, similar to a carrel.

5. a kind of circular dance.

verb (used without object)

caroled, caroling , carolled, carolling .

1. to sing Christmas songs or hymns, especially in a group performing in a public place or going from house to house.

2. to sing, especially in a lively, joyous manner; warble.

verb (used with object)

caroled, caroling , carolled, carolling .

1. to sing joyously.

2. to praise or celebrate in song.

carol

/ ˈkærəl /

noun

1. a joyful hymn or religious song, esp one (a Christmas carol ) celebrating the birth of Christ

2. archaic,  an old English circular dance

verb

1. (intr) to sing carols at Christmas

2. to sing (something) in a joyful manner

Other Word Forms

• caroler noun
• outcarol verb (used with object)
• uncaroled adjective
• uncarolled adjective
• caroling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Carol¹

1250–1300; Middle English carole ring, circle (of stones), enclosed place for study ( carrel ), ringdance with song (hence, song) < Anglo-French carole, Old French *corole (compare Old Provençal corola ), apparently < Latin corolla garland ( corolla ), conflated with Latin choraula < Greek choraúlēs piper for choral dance, equivalent to chor ( ós ) chorus + -aulēs, derivative of aulós pipe

Word History and Origins

Origin of Carol¹

C13: from Old French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

He commissioned new compositions and laid the groundwork for what would become Tubachristmas, a yearly event held in hundreds of cities across the world featuring many traditional carols.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The only King that Andrew is likely to see will be if Good King Wenceslas comes up on the Christmas carol playlist.

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Visitors won’t experience any flashing lights, dancing elves or blaring carols.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A group of dancers from The Royal Ballet School, who performed in a Westminster Abbey carol service hosted by the princess last year, are also featured.

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After receiving her award, she was invited to attend the Princess of Wales' carol concert at Christmas.

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