joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
"The choir began singing a traditional carol to celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve."
a joyful song (usually celebrating the birth of Christ)
"The choir performed a traditional Christmas carol to celebrate the holiday season."
A round dance accompanied by singing.
"The university library has converted several old student carols into quiet reading nooks by the large windows."
Alternative form of carrel (“small closet or enclosure built against a window on the inner side, to sit in for study”).
In plain English: A carol is a traditional song people sing during the Christmas season.
"The neighbors sang happy carols while decorating their Christmas tree."
Usage: The word "carol" should not be used as an alternative spelling for "carrel," which refers to a small study booth. Instead, use "carol" only when referring to a festive song sung during the Christmas season.
To participate in a carol (a round dance accompanied by singing).
"The villagers gathered in the frosty square to carol around the yule log, their voices weaving together as they moved in a slow, rhythmic circle."
In plain English: To carol means to sing happy songs, usually during Christmas.
"The children gathered in the park to carol for their neighbors during the holiday season."
Usage: To carol as a verb means to sing festive songs, typically during Christmas celebrations, rather than to perform a round dance. Although historical definitions included dancing while singing, modern usage almost exclusively refers to the act of singing holiday carols.
A female given name from the Germanic languages, popular in the middle of the 20th century.
"Carol decided to join his brother at the local soccer game, as they both share the same Germanic family name."
A male given name from the Germanic languages.
The word "carol" comes from the Middle English term carole, which originally described a round dance accompanied by singing. It traveled into modern usage to refer specifically to the songs performed during such dances, particularly in religious traditions.