chorister: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “chorister” mean?
A person who sings in a choir, especially a choir associated with a church or cathedral.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who sings in a choir, especially a choir associated with a church or cathedral.
The term can refer specifically to a boy or girl singer in a church or cathedral choir, often one who receives musical training as part of the choir's tradition. Historically, it also refers to the leader of a choir.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'chorister' most commonly and specifically refers to a child singer in a cathedral or church choir. In the US, it is a more general term for any choir singer, adult or child, though the specific cathedral sense is understood.
Connotations
UK: Strong connotations of tradition, Anglican church music, choir schools, and surplices. US: A slightly more general, less ecclesiastically-specific term for a choir member.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to the established tradition of cathedral choristers. In US English, 'choir member' is a more common neutral term.
Grammar
How to Use “chorister” in a Sentence
[BE/BECOME] a chorister[SING/PERFORM] as a choristerchorister [OF/IN] the [choir/cathedral]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like music school administration or cathedral finance.
Academic
Used in musicology, historical studies of church music, and sociology of music.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used when discussing specific choir participation, especially for children in church choirs.
Technical
Standard term in music and liturgical contexts to denote a member of a choir, with specific subtypes (e.g., 'probationer chorister').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorister”
- Mispronouncing it as /tʃɒrɪstə/ (like 'chore'). The first syllable is 'kor-' not 'chor-'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'soloist'.
- Spelling as 'choister' or 'choristor'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in American English, but in British English it most specifically and commonly refers to a child singer in a church or cathedral choir. Adults in such choirs are often called 'lay clerks' or 'choral scholars'.
'Choir member' is a broad, neutral term. 'Chorister' often implies formal training, tradition, and is particularly associated with organised, often religious choirs. It can sound more specific and formal.
The stress is on the first syllable. In British English, it's /ˈkɒrɪstə/ (KORR-ist-uh). In American English, it's /ˈkɔːrɪstər/ (KORR-ist-er). The 'ch' is pronounced as a /k/ sound.
Yes. Both words ultimately derive from the Latin 'chorus' and Greek 'khoros', meaning a band of dancers or singers. A chorister is a member of a chorus/choir.
A person who sings in a choir, especially a choir associated with a church or cathedral.
Chorister is usually formal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHOIR singing in a MINSTER (a large church). A CHORISTER sings in the choir of a minster or similar church.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHORISTER IS A TRAINED CRAFTSPERSON (of music/vocal performance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chorister' most specifically and commonly used in British English?