I. ˈker-əl, ˈka-rəl noun
Etymology: Middle English carole, from Anglo-French, modification of Late Latin choraula choral song, from Latin, choral accompanist, from Greek choraulēs, from choros chorus + aulein to play a reed instrument, from aulos, a reed instrument — more at alveolus
Date: 14th century
1. : an old round dance with singing
2. : a song of joy or mirth
the carol of a bird — Lord Byron
3. : a popular song or ballad of religious joy
II. verb
( -oled or -olled ; -ol·ing or -ol·ling )
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to sing especially in a joyful manner
2. : to sing carols ; specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols
transitive verb
1. : to praise in or as if in song
2. : to sing especially in a cheerful manner : warble
• car·ol·er or car·ol·ler -ə-lər noun