carol

¹

[ 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)

, car·oled, car·ol·ing or (especially British) car·olled, car·ol·ling.

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)

, car·oled, car·ol·ing or (especially British) car·olled, car·ol·ling.

1. to sing joyously.
2. to praise or celebrate in song.

Carol

²

[ kar-uhl ]

noun

1. a male or female given name.

Carol.

³

abbreviation for

1. Carolingian.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈcaroling, noun
• ˈcaroler, noun

Other Words From

• carol·er especially British, carol·ler noun
• outcarol verb (used with object) outcaroled outcaroling or (especially British) outcarolled outcarolling
• un·caroled adjective
• un·carolled adjective

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

Catherine, Princess of Wales is to host her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, her biggest event in her return to royal duties after ending her chemotherapy.

From BBC

The carol service will include readings and music, with speakers including the Prince of Wales and Richard E Grant and participation from singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith.

From BBC

The Princess of Wales has invited families affected by the Southport attacks to her annual Christmas carol service, Kensington Palace has said.

From BBC

The carol service is supported by the Royal Foundation, the charity which supports the work of the prince and princess.

From BBC

On Tuesday, she held a meeting in Windsor Castle, to plan her annual Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey.

From BBC