chorale
Americannoun
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a hymn, especially one with strong harmonization.
a Bach chorale.
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a group of singers specializing in singing church music; choir.
noun
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a slow stately hymn tune, esp of the Lutheran Church
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a choir or chorus
Etymology
Origin of chorale
1835–45; < German Choral, short for Choralgesang, translation of Latin cantus chorālis choral singing; see choral
Explanation
A chorale is the melody of a Christian hymn, or religious song. You're most likely to hear a chorale in a church. You can use the noun chorale to talk about a church song, or more specifically, the tune which the voices sing. Most chorales are sung in harmony, blending higher and lower voices, and are fairly simple melodies that are relatively easy to sing along with. The word comes from the German Choralgesang, "choral song," with its Latin root of cantus choralis, "song belonging to a choir."
Vocabulary lists containing chorale
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.
The show will also include appearances by Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale will also perform at the ceremony, though their role has not yet been disclosed.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
Davidson is not new to L.A., having served as the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Music Center from 2015 to 2023.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
Jeffrey Bernstein, the founding artistic and executive director of the Pasadena Chorale, drilled the cast on their chorale passages.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
A Chorale represents the prayer to God of the terrified Israelites, while the palpitating quaver accompaniment stands for the terror which seized them at sight of the giant; the harmonies are very striking.
From The Pianoforte Sonata Its Origin and Development by Shedlock, J. S. (John South)
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.
