Etymology Map
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Carol

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a religious song sung at Christmas

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

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

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.