Noel

[noh-el, noh-uhl, nohl]

noun

1. Christmas.

2. (lowercase),  a Christmas song or carol.

3. a male given name.

Noel

/ nəʊˈɛl /

noun

1. (esp in carols) another word for Christmas

2. rare,  (often not capital) a Christmas carol

Word History and Origins

Origin of Noel¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from French Nöel, ultimately from Latin nātālis (diēs) “birthday”; natal

Word History and Origins

Origin of Noel¹

C19: from French, from Latin nātālis a birthday; see _natal ¹

Example Sentences

Reflecting on the row, Noel later told reporters in 2011 that a furious Liam had stormed into the dressing room with the guitar, which he was "wielding like an axe".

Read more on Barron's

“We anticipate the existing rate and acuity mismatch will extend well into next year,” UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Tim Noel said on the company’s last earnings call.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Earlier this year, Oasis embarked on a series of sold-out gigs following the band's dramatic split in 2009 after a backstage bust-up between Gallagher and his brother Noel.

Read more on BBC

"By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone," said Noel Mooney, Football Association of Wales chief executive.

Read more on BBC

We did get a hint on the topic recently from Victoria, who told the Sunday Times how she felt Liam and Noel Gallagher's reconciliation must have made their mother "so happy".

Read more on BBC

When To Use

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!