Carole vs. Carol — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 23, 2023
Carole is typically a female given name. Carol is a song or hymn, particularly associated with Christmas.
Difference Between Carole and Carol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Carole is a personal name, often given to females, and does not have a specific meaning beyond its use as a name. Carol, on the other hand, refers to a type of song, traditionally joyful and often associated with Christmas.
The name Carole is a variant of Carol, but as a name, it does not carry the additional meaning of a song or hymn. In contrast, Carol as a noun refers to a specific genre of music.
Carole can be a name used in many English-speaking countries, with variations in spelling and pronunciation. Carol as a song is a global phenomenon, recognized in various cultures and languages.
In literature, a character named Carole would be recognized as a personal name, whereas a reference to singing a Carol would imply the performance of a festive song.
Finally, Carole and Carol can sometimes be confused due to their similar spelling, but their uses in language are distinct: one as a name, the other as a type of music.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A female given name
A song or hymn
Context of Use
As a personal name
In music, especially Christmas songs
Cultural Association
Name commonly used in the Western world
Associated with Christmas and festive celebrations
Variations
Variants in spelling and pronunciation
Different types of carols (e.g., traditional, modern)
Example of Use
"Carole had a vibrant personality."
"They sang a carol around the Christmas tree."
Compare with Definitions
Carole
A name often associated with warmth and friendliness.
Carole always greeted everyone with a smile.
Carol
A song, often associated with Christmas.
The choir sang a beautiful carol.
Carole
A personal name with no specific meaning.
Carole's name was chosen for its melodious sound.
Carol
A joyous song or hymn.
Their voices rose in a carol of celebration.
Carole
A common name in English-speaking countries.
Carole was a popular name in the 1960s.
Carol
A piece of music with a simple and merry melody.
The carol filled the room with festive cheer.
Carole
A female first name.
Carole was known for her artistic talents.
Carol
A song that often tells a story or message.
The carol conveyed a message of peace and joy.
Carole
A name that can be spelled in various ways.
Carole preferred the French spelling of her name.
Carol
A traditional form of musical expression during holidays.
Carol singing is a Christmas tradition.
Carole
Carole is a feminine given name (see Carl for more information) and occasionally a surname.
Carol
A religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly one associated with Christmas
We sang carols by candlelight
Carol
Sing or say (something) happily
‘Goodbye,’ he carolled
She was cheerfully carolling the words of the song
Carol
The activity of singing Christmas carols
A night of Christmas carolling was traditional
We carolled from door to door
Carol
A song of praise or joy, especially for Christmas.
Carol
An old round dance often accompanied by singing.
Carol
To sing in a loud, joyous manner.
Carol
To go from house to house singing Christmas songs.
Carol
To celebrate in or as if in song
Caroling the victory.
Carol
To sing loudly and joyously.
Carol
(historical) A round dance accompanied by singing.
Carol
A ballad or song of joy.
Carol
(specifically) A (usually traditional) religious or secular song sung at Christmastime.
They sang a Christmas carol.
Carol
(architecture) carrel.
Carol
To participate in a carol (a round dance accompanied by singing).
Carol
(intransitive) To sing in a joyful manner.
Carol
(intransitive) To sing carols; especially to sing Christmas carols in a group.
Carol
(transitive) To praise or celebrate in song.
Carol
(transitive) To sing (a song) cheerfully.
Carol
A round dance.
Carol
A song of joy, exultation, or mirth; a lay.
The costly feast, the carol, and the dance.
It was the carol of a bird.
Carol
A song of praise of devotion; as, a Christmas or Easter carol.
Heard a carol, mournful, holy.
In the darkness sing your carol of high praise.
Carol
Joyful music, as of a song.
I heard the bells on Christmans DayTheir old, familiar carol play.
Carol
A small closet or inclosure built against a window on the inner side, to sit in for study. The word was used as late as the 16th century. The term carrel, of the same has largely superseded its use.
A bay window may thus be called a carol.
Carol
To praise or celebrate in song.
The Shepherds at their festivalsCarol her goodness.
Carol
To sing, especially with joyful notes.
Hovering swans . . . carol sounds harmonious.
Carol
To sing; esp. to sing joyfully; to warble.
And carol of love's high praise.
The gray linnets carol from the hill.
Carol
Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
Carol
A joyful song (usually celebrating the birth of Christ)
Carol
Sing carols;
They went caroling on Christmas Day
Common Curiosities
Are "Carole" and "Carol" pronounced the same?
Generally, yes, they are pronounced similarly.
Can "Carol" refer to any song?
No, a carol typically refers to a festive or religious song.
Is "Carole" a common name?
Yes, Carole is a fairly common female name.
Is "Carole" a modern name?
It has been in use for several decades, so not strictly modern.
Can "Carol" be a person's name?
Yes, Carol can also be a female given name.
Does "Carole" have a specific meaning?
No, Carole does not have a specific meaning beyond being a name.
Can "Carol" be a male name?
Rarely, but it's predominantly a female name.
Can "Carole" be spelled differently?
Yes, it has variants like Carol, Caroll, etc.
Are all Christmas songs considered carols?
Not all; carols typically have a specific structure and theme.
Is "Carole" used only as a first name?
Primarily, yes, Carole is used as a first name.
Do carols always have religious themes?
No, some carols are secular and celebrate the festive season.
Is "Carole" a popular name worldwide?
It's more common in Western countries.
Are carols only sung at Christmas?
While most common at Christmas, carols can be sung at other times.
Can "Carol" be an instrumental piece?
Yes, though it often includes lyrics, it can be instrumental.
Is "Carole" associated with any particular culture?
No, it's a name used across various cultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
