carol
UK: ˈkærəl | US: ˈkærəl
n. a joyful song, especially a Christmas hymn
vi. to sing joyfully or in celebration
carol = car<dance> + ol<diminutive suffix>
- car (from Old French carole, meaning "a dance in a ring")
- ol (a diminutive or noun-forming suffix, often found in archaic or poetic terms)
Etymology Origin:
The word carol traces back to the Old French carole, a term for a circle dance accompanied by singing. Over time, the meaning shifted from the dance itself to the song performed during it, particularly festive or religious hymns. By the late Middle Ages, carol became strongly associated with Christmas songs, reflecting its evolution from communal celebration to specific musical tradition.
The children sang a cheerful carol at the Christmas party.
She loves to carol door-to-door with her choir every December.
The old carol "Silent Night" filled the church with warmth.
They gathered around the piano to carol together.
His voice rose in a solo carol during the midnight service.