I. ˈkarəl also -er- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English carole, from Old French, modification of Late Latin choraula choral song, from Latin, one that accompanies a chorus on a reed instrument, alteration of choraules, from Greek choraulēs, from choraulein to accompany a chorus on a reed instrument, from choros chorus + aulein to play a reed instrument, from aulos reed instrument like an oboe — more at chorus , alveolus
1. or car·ole “ : an old round dance with singing by couples associated originally with May-day celebrations of western Europe
2. : a song of joy, exultation, or mirth
I float this carol with joy — Walt Whitman
the carol of a bird — Lord Byron
3.
a. : a song of praise or devotion : a popular song or ballad of religious joy
a Christmas carol
an Easter carol
sing your carol of high praise — John Keble
b. : the music of such a song
II. verb
( caroled or carolled ; caroled or carolled ; caroling or carolling ; carols )
Etymology: Middle English carolen, from Old French caroler, from carole, n.
intransitive verb
1. : to sing especially in a joyful manner
he used to carol cheerfully in the morning, locked in the single bathroom — H.S.Canby
a wren on a tree stump caroled clear — John Masefield
2. : to sing carols ; specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve
gone caroling
transitive verb
1. : to praise in or as if in song
the shepherds … carol her goodness loud in rustic lays — John Milton
the union's star salesman … has been caroling its glories for many a year — Newsweek
2. : to sing especially in a cheerful manner
the robin … carols from the treetops his loud, hearty strain — John Burroughs
they caroled nothing but love ditties — J.D.Hart