choirgirl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, historical; occasionally journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “choirgirl” mean?
A girl or young woman who sings in a choir.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A girl or young woman who sings in a choir.
Typically refers to a female singer in a church, cathedral, or school choir; often implies youth and participation in a formal, often religious, choral group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. More common in UK due to stronger tradition of cathedral and church choirs. In US, may be specifically associated with school or church youth choirs.
Connotations
UK: Often linked to Anglican/ cathedral choir tradition, boarding schools. US: More general church or school context, less specific high-church association.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK due to cultural prominence of choir schools and BBC choir broadcasts.
Grammar
How to Use “choirgirl” in a Sentence
She is a choirgirl at [St. Paul's Cathedral].The choirgirl sang [a solo].A choirgirl from [the local parish].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choirgirl” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The young choirgirl practised her scales in the vestry.
- A cathedral choirgirl must maintain high academic standards.
American English
- She was a choirgirl at the First Methodist church for five years.
- The choirgirl's voice stood out during the anthem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in musicology, social history, or sociology of religion texts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when referring specifically to a girl in a choir.
Technical
Used in music and liturgical contexts to specify gender and role.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choirgirl”
- Confusing with 'choirboy' (male).
- Misspelling as 'quiregirl' (archaic).
- Using in non-choral contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically not. It strongly implies youth (girl or young woman). An adult woman in a choir is usually called a 'chorister' or 'choir member'.
The direct male equivalent is 'choirboy'.
It can, but it is less common. The term's strongest associations are with religious and traditional school choirs. For a secular youth choir, 'young chorister' or 'girl choir member' might be more neutral.
The word 'choir' comes from Old French 'quer', ultimately from Latin 'chorus', and the spelling 'ch' followed by 'oi' evolved this unique pronunciation in English.
A girl or young woman who sings in a choir.
Choirgirl is usually formal, literary, historical; occasionally journalistic. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As pure as a choirgirl's note (rare, literary).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHOIR + GIRL = a girl in a choir. Remember 'quire' is an old spelling for choir, but think of a 'choir' of girls.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS HARMONY (choirgirl as symbol of innocence through harmonious song).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'choirgirl' MOST specifically appropriate?