Word of the Day: Carol
car-ol / kăr-əl
noun
1. a song of joy, especially at Christmas
I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807 – 1882
2. a round folk dance with singing
It is thought that carols were danced to ballads during medieval times in Europe since many ballads of that time suggest dance movements.
verb (carols; caroled or carolled; caroling or caroling)
1. to sing Christmas songs, particularly in a group outdoors
Caroling, caroling, now we go,
Christmas bells are ringing.
Caroling, caroling, through the snow,
Christmas bells are ringing.
Joyous voices sweet and clear,
sing the sad of heart to cheer.
Ding, dong, ding, dong!
Christmas bells are ringing.
From the song “Caroling, Caroling” by Wilha Hutson (1901 – 2002) and Alfred Burt (1920 – 1954)
2. to sing in a joyful, lively manner
No bird carolled, although the sun was hot.
From “The Basilisk” by R. Murray Gilchrist (1867 – 1917)