carol ii: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Seasonal
Quick answer
What does “carol ii” mean?
A religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas.
A joyful song, hymn, or ballad of praise and celebration, especially a seasonal one. Also, the act of singing such songs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The verb 'to carol' for singing outdoors (carolling/caroling) is slightly more common in UK narratives.
Connotations
In both varieties, evokes tradition, festivity, and community. The UK may have a slightly stronger historical association with medieval and Tudor carols.
Frequency
Spikes in frequency during the Christmas period in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “carol ii” in a Sentence
They carolled [through the snow].The choir carolled [a hymn of praise].We went carolling [around the neighbourhood].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carol ii” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The choir will carol from the church steps.
- We spent the evening carolling in the village square.
American English
- The students went caroling in the neighborhood.
- Her voice caroled out across the frosty air.
adverb
British English
- He sang carol-joyfully into the night. (Rare/poetic)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The carol service begins at six.
- He is a member of the carol society.
American English
- The carol concert is sold out.
- She has a beautiful carol-singing voice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing for seasonal events (e.g., 'Join our carol service').
Academic
Used in historical, musicological, or religious studies contexts.
Everyday
Common in December, referring to Christmas songs and singing traditions.
Technical
In musicology, a specific form of strophic song with a refrain.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carol ii”
- Incorrect: 'We listened to the carol of the birds.' (Use 'song' or 'chorus').
- Incorrect spelling: 'carrol'.
- Using as a generic verb for singing (e.g., 'She carolled in the shower.' – unnatural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, no; there were carols for other seasons like Easter or May Day. However, in modern English, it is overwhelmingly associated with Christmas.
A hymn is a religious song of praise directed to God, used in worship. A carol is a festive song, often religious and seasonal (like Christmas), with a more popular, often strophic, structure. All carols can be hymns, but not all hymns are carols.
British English prefers 'carolling', 'carolled'. American English uses 'caroling', 'caroled'. Both are correct in their respective dialects.
Yes, 'Carol' is a common female given name, unrelated in origin to the song. Context clarifies the meaning (e.g., 'Carol sang a carol').
A religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas.
Carol ii is usually formal, literary, seasonal in register.
Carol ii: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkærəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkerəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Deck the Halls' is a well-known Christmas carol.”
- “The children went from door to door, carolling for charity.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAROL' as 'Celebrating And Rejoicing Out Loud' during Christmas.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A SONG; COMMUNITY IS SHARED SINGING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'carol'?