Carousing: meaning, definitions and examples

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carousing

[ˈkærəʊz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a social setting

To engage in boisterous, drunken merrymaking; to party or revel in a noisy, lively way.

Synonyms

carouse, celebrate, party, roister.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carousing	Used when describing someone who is enjoying themselves in a loud and boisterous way, usually involving drinking. It often carries a slightly negative connotation. They were carousing late into the night, disturbing the neighbors. The group spent the evening carousing at the local pub.
celebrate	A versatile word fit for any occasion of joy or festivity, with or without alcohol. It has a positive connotation and is appropriate for both formal and informal settings. We will celebrate her birthday with a big party. The team celebrated their victory with a parade.
roister	An old-fashioned term that means to celebrate in a loud and energetic manner, often involving boisterous and unruly behavior. It has a slightly archaic and literary flavor. The knights roistered in the great hall after their victory. They roistered through the streets, singing and shouting.
carouse	Implies engaging in noisy, lively activities, typically involving alcohol. Suitable for emphasizing the exuberant and often unruly nature of the celebration. They caroused until the early hours of the morning. The sailors caroused in the port town after months at sea.
party	Used to describe social gatherings for fun, music, dancing, and possibly drinking. Common in everyday language and has a neutral or positive connotation. They threw a big party for their anniversary. Let's party this weekend!

Examples of usage

After winning the championship, the team went carousing all night long.
The group of friends caroused at the bar until the early hours of the morning.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

A noisy, lively drinking party.

Synonyms

carousal, festivity, revelry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carousing	Typically used to describe wild, noisy, and often excessive drinking and merry-making, usually with negative connotation. After hours of carousing, the partygoers were finally asked to leave the bar
revelry	Indicates lively and noisy celebrations or partying, can have both positive or slightly negative connotations depending on the context. Their revelry continued late into the night, with music and laughter heard from afar
carousal	Refers to a lively drinking party or gathering, also with a negative or rowdy implication. The manager was not pleased with the late-night carousal happening in the office
festivity	A neutral or positive term used to describe joyous, celebratory activities, often associated with holidays or special occasions. The town square was full of festivity during the winter holiday parade

Examples of usage

The carousing in the medieval tavern could be heard from the streets.
The king's court was known for its extravagant carousing events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'carouse' comes from the Middle French word 'caroussel', meaning a drinking party.
It originally described the act of taking drinks in a large cup or container, highlighting social drinking.
Over the centuries, the meaning evolved to include merrymaking and festivities at gatherings.

Historical Context

Carousing has roots in ancient celebrations where wine was integral to social and religious rituals.
In medieval Europe, carousing was often a staple of feast days, allowing communities to bond and celebrate abundance.
Documents from the 16th century indicate that this form of revelry was popular among both nobility and common folk.

Pop Culture

The term 'carousing' has appeared in numerous songs and movies where characters partake in wild nightlife.
Literature often depicts carousing as a way to explore the joyful escape from daily burdens, like in Shakespeare's plays.
Modern media highlights the fun side of carousing, portraying it as a way to temporarily forget problems and embrace joy.

Psychology

Social gatherings often encourage group bonding, and carousing can reinforce friendships through shared experiences.
Studies suggest that excessive carousing can lead to both positive memories and, at times, negative consequences like regret or hangovers.
Psychologically, letting loose during carousing can release stress, allowing individuals to reconnect with their playful sides.

Sociology

Carousing reflects cultural norms, varying significantly in meaning across different societies and their drinking customs.
In some cultures, carousing is a rite of passage, helping young adults transition into social realms of adulthood.
Rituals attached to carousing often serve as social glue, reinforcing social ties and community identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "carousing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 farra

🇮🇳 मौज-मस्ती

🇩🇪 Feiern

🇮🇩 pesta pora

🇺🇦 гульня

🇵🇱 hulanki

🇯🇵 どんちゃん騒ぎ

🇫🇷 réjouissances

🇪🇸 juerga

🇹🇷 alem

🇰🇷 흥청망청

🇸🇦 احتفال

🇨🇿 hýření

🇸🇰 hýrenie

🇨🇳 狂欢

🇸🇮 razuzdanost

🇮🇸 fjör

🇰🇿 тойлау

🇬🇪 გართობა

🇦🇿 əyləncə

🇲🇽 juerga

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,581 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31578 unstudied
31579 prithee
31580 defeatist
31581 carousing
31582 verbalized
31583 suzerain
31584 sulkily
...