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 marvelous Master Chorale marvelously set the moody scene for triumph.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The show will also include appearances by Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 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 list of commissioners grew like plants after a rainstorm, the Master Chorale being one, along with several Southern California new music patrons.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025
Widor's Chorale and Variations for harp and orchestra given by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; also Elgar's military marches, "Pomp" and "Circumstance."
From Annals of Music in America A Chronological Record of Significant Musical Events by Lahee, Henry Charles
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.
