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Carol: meaning, definitions and examples

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carol

 

[ ˈkɛrəl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

festive song

A carol is a type of song that is often sung during festive seasons, particularly at Christmas. These songs are meant to celebrate the joy and spirit of the season. Carols can be both sacred and secular in nature. They are typically performed in groups and are characterized by their joyful melodies and lyrics that convey themes of love, joy, and goodwill.

Synonyms

chant, hymn, song

Examples of usage

  • We sang 'Silent Night' as a Christmas carol.
  • Children went door to door, sharing carols with neighbors.
  • The church choir performed a beautiful carol during the service.
Context #2 | Verb

sing joyfully

To carol means to sing songs of joy or praise, frequently during festive occasions. This action is commonly associated with Christmas, where groups gather to sing traditional songs in celebration. Caroling can take place in various settings, including homes, streets, and events, aiming to spread cheer and camaraderie.

Synonyms

chant, rejoice, sing

Examples of usage

  • We plan to carol around the neighborhood next week.
  • They caroled beautifully, bringing smiles to everyone.
  • Many families enjoy caroling together during the holidays.

Translations

Translations of the word "carol" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cântico

🇮🇳 गाना

🇩🇪 Karol

🇮🇩 lagu

🇺🇦 пісня

🇵🇱 kolęda

🇯🇵 キャロル

🇫🇷 chant

🇪🇸 canción

🇹🇷 şarkı

🇰🇷 캐롤

🇸🇦 ترنيمة

🇨🇿 koleda

🇸🇰 koleda

🇨🇳 圣歌

🇸🇮 pesem

🇮🇸 söngur

🇰🇿 ән

🇬🇪 გალობა

🇦🇿 mahnı

🇲🇽 canción

Word origin

The term 'carol' originates from the Old French word 'carole', which referred to a type of dance accompanied by singing. The word itself can be traced back to the Latin 'circularis', meaning 'circular', suggesting the communal aspect of singing and dancing in a circle. In the medieval period, carols were often sung in a round format, and they significantly served as a means of sharing stories and spreading religious themes. By the 14th century, the word 'carol' also became associated with celebratory songs specifically related to Christmas festivities. Over time, the practice of caroling evolved from choreographed dances to the more modern tradition of singing songs at gatherings, which continues to be popular during the holiday season.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,570, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.