carol

Where does the word "carol" come from? It comes from Late Latin choraula, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Carol’s story begins in Late Latin: choraula meant “choral song.” From Greek 'khoraulēs', a flute-player accompanying a chorus. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as carole. A circle dance with singing. It reached English by 1300s as carol. Narrowed to Christmas songs in the 1500s. Today, carol means a religious song sung at Christmas.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient choraula "choral song", from Greek 'khoraulēs', a flute-player accompanying a chorus.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval carole "ring dance with song", a circle dance with singing.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s carol "song and dance", narrowed to Christmas songs in the 1500s.