carol in English
- carol⇄carol, noun, verb, -oled,-oling,or (especially British)-olled,-olling.
- carol⇄noun 1. a hymn of joy, especially one sung at Christmas.
2. a song of joy.
Ex. He heard the birds their morning carols sing (Wordsworth).
3. in the Middle Ages:
a. a dance done in a ring with accompaniment of song.
b. th - carol⇄v.i. 1. to sing Christmas carols, especially in a group or chorus.
Ex. Several girls in the fifth grade in Rye sent $2 they had collected through caroling (New York Times).
2. to sing joyously.
Ex. The birds carol in the early morning. - carol⇄v.t. 1. to sing joyously.
Ex. carolling as he went a true-love ballad (Tennyson). Still they are carolled and said ... after the singer is dead (Robert Louis Stevenson).
2. to praise with carols.
Ex. The shepherds ... carol her goodnes
carol in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
carol in Sindhi سنڌي
carol in Tamil தமிழ்
carol in Telugu తెలుగు
Carol
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈkær.əl/
Definitions
- 1. (Noun) A festive song, especially one associated with Christmas.
- 2. (Verb) To sing in a joyful or festive manner, often in celebration.
Usage Examples
- We sang a beautiful Christmas carol by the fireplace.
- The children went caroling around the neighborhood last night.
Etymology
The word "carol" originates from the Old French "carole," meaning a dance in a circle, which itself is derived from the Latin "choraula," meaning a choral song. It evolved to mean a joyous song or hymn, particularly one sung during Christmas celebrations.
Synonyms
- Hymn
- Chant
- Anthem
- Ballad
Antonyms
- Silence
- Dirge
- Elegy
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Villancico | /biʎanˈθiko/ |
| French | Chant de Noël | /ʃɑ̃ də nɔɛl/ |
| German | Weihnachtslied | /ˈvaɪ.nachtsˌliːd/ |
| Hindi | क्रिसमस गीत | /kris.mas giːt/ |
| Chinese | 圣诞颂歌 | /shèngdàn sònggē/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In British English, "carol" is pronounced as /ˈkær.əl/.
- In American English, the pronunciation tends to emphasize the first syllable more distinctly.
Historical Usage
Carols date back to medieval Europe when they were originally dance songs sung at social gatherings. Over time, they became associated with religious festivals, particularly Christmas, and were performed by groups of singers going door-to-door.
Cultural Nuances
Carols are an integral part of Christmas traditions across many cultures. In Western countries, they are often sung in churches and homes, while in some Asian countries, they have been adapted into local festive celebrations. The act of caroling brings communities together and spreads holiday cheer.
More Information
The tradition of singing carols has continued to evolve, with modern versions incorporating contemporary music styles. Today, carols are performed in public places such as shopping malls, schools, and community gatherings. The popularity of Christmas carols has also led to their widespread use in movies, advertisements, and holiday-themed events worldwide.