First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1carol
noun car·ol \ˈker-əl, ˈka-rəl\
: a song sung during the Christmas season
Full Definition of CAROL
1
: an old round dance with singing
2
: a song of joy or mirth <the carol of a bird — Lord Byron>
3
: a popular song or ballad of religious joy
See carol defined for English-language learners
See carol defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CAROL
Middle English carole, from Anglo-French, modification of Late Latin choraula choral song, from Latin, choral accompanist, from Greek choraulēs, from choros chorus + aulein to play a reed instrument, from aulos, a reed instrument — more at alveolus
Other Music Terms
2carol
verb
: to go from place to place singing Christmas carols
caroled or carolledcarol·ing or carol·ling
Full Definition of CAROL
intransitive verb
1
: to sing especially in a joyful manner
2
: to sing carols; specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols
transitive verb
1
: to praise in or as if in song
See carol defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CAROL
14th century
Other Music Terms
CAROL[1] Defined for Kids
1carol
noun car·ol \ˈker-əl\
Definition of CAROL for Kids
: a usually religious song of joy
2carol
verb
car·oled or car·olledcar·ol·ing or car·ol·ling
Definition of CAROL for Kids
1
: to sing in a joyful manner
2
: to sing carols and especially Christmas carols
— car·ol·er or car·ol·ler noun
Learn More About CAROL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up carol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).