Chorus vs. Choir — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Chorus" can refer to a repeated part of a song or the people who sing it, while "Choir" is a group of singers, especially in a church setting.
Difference Between Chorus and Choir
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Key Differences
"Chorus" often refers to a section of a song that is repeated after each verse, usually containing the song's main theme or message. On the other hand, a "Choir" typically denotes an organized group of singers, particularly those who perform together in church services or other events.
In another interpretation, "Chorus" can describe a group of people singing or chanting together, often in unison. Whereas, "Choir" consistently references a structured assembly of singers, possibly divided by vocal ranges, such as soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
In theatrical contexts, "Chorus" might indicate a group of performers who comment on the main action of a play, especially in ancient Greek drama. In contrast, "Choir" remains firm in its meaning, relating primarily to vocal ensembles, whether in religious settings or formal performances.
In some settings, "Chorus" might refer to a sound made by many voices or even instruments played together. The term "Choir," on the other hand, seldom deviates from its primary meaning tied to human voices, although it can denote a section of a church or a section of an organ.
To put it succinctly, while both "Chorus" and "Choir" can relate to groups of people singing, "Chorus" has varied meanings spanning different contexts, from musical parts to groups in theater, while "Choir" remains mainly anchored in its description of organized singing groups.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A repeated section of a song.
An organized group of singers.
Group Interpretation
People singing/chanting, or a theater group.
Specifically singers, often in religious settings.
Contextual Usage
In songs, theater, or collective sound.
In churches, concerts, or organized vocal performances.
Relation to Sound
Can refer to many voices or instruments together.
Primarily human voices in a structured ensemble.
Specificity
Has varied meanings across contexts.
Mostly consistent in denoting a singing group.
Compare with Definitions
Chorus
A repeated section of a song or music piece.
The chorus of the song is catchy and memorable.
Choir
An organized group of singers.
The choir practiced weekly for their annual concert.
Chorus
A group of people singing together.
The chorus lifted their voices in a harmonious melody.
Choir
A division of voices based on range within an ensemble.
The soprano choir hit the highest notes.
Chorus
A sound made by many voices or instruments together.
The chorus of applause filled the theater.
Choir
A section of an orchestra or organ.
The choir of flutes played a gentle tune.
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated after each verse
Strong guitar-driven songs with big, big choruses
Choir
A place in a church where the choir sits.
The choir was adorned with intricate carvings.
Chorus
A large organized group of singers, especially one which performs with an orchestra or opera company
He has words of praise for the RSNO Chorus
Choir
Singers who perform during church services.
The church choir sang a beautiful hymn during the service.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance of something by many people
‘Good morning,’ we replied in chorus
A growing chorus of complaint
Choir
A choir (; also known as a chorale or chorus) is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.
Chorus
(in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment together on the main action
Sophocles no longer gave the chorus the major role
Choir
An organized company of singers, especially one performing church music or singing in a church.
Chorus
A device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played
A chorus pedal
Choir
The part of a church used by such a company of singers.
Chorus
(of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time
‘Morning, Sister,’ the nurses chorused
Choir
The part of the chancel in a cruciform church that is occupied by this company of singers.
Chorus
A group of singers who perform together, usually singing multi-part compositions with more than one singer for each part.
Choir
A group of instruments of the same kind
A string choir.
Chorus
A group of vocalists and dancers who support the soloists and leading performers in operas, musical comedies, and revues.
Choir
A division of some pipe organs, containing pipes suitable for accompanying a choir.
Chorus
A musical composition usually in four or more parts written for a large number of singers.
Choir
An organized group
A choir of dancers.
Chorus
A refrain in a song, especially one in which the soloist is joined by other performers or audience members.
Choir
One of the orders of angels.
Chorus
A solo section based on the main melody of a popular song and played by a member of the group.
Choir
To sing in chorus.
Chorus
A group of persons who speak or sing in unison a given part or composition in drama or poetry recitation.
Choir
A group of people who sing together; a company of people who are trained to sing together.
The church choir practices Thursday nights.
Chorus
An actor in Elizabethan drama who recites the prologue and epilogue to a play and sometimes comments on the action.
Choir
(architecture) The part of a church where the choir assembles for song.
Chorus
A group in a classical Greek drama whose songs and dances present an exposition of or, in later tradition, a disengaged commentary on the action.
Choir
One of the nine ranks or orders of angels.
Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones are three of the choirs of angels.
Chorus
The portion of a classical Greek drama consisting of choric dance and song.
Choir
Set of strings (one per note) for a harpsichord.
Chorus
A speech, song, or other utterance made in concert by many people.
Choir
A band or organized company of singers, especially in church service.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance by a number of people
A chorus of jeers from the bystanders.
Choir
That part of a church appropriated to the singers.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous animals
The midday chorus of cicadas.
Choir
The chancel.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous inanimate objects
A chorus of lawnmowers from the neighborhood's backyards.
Choir
A chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
Chorus
To sing or utter in chorus.
Choir
A family of similar musical instrument playing together
Chorus
A group of singers and dancers in a theatrical performance or religious festival who commented on the main performance in speech or song.
Choir
The area occupied by singers; the part of the chancel between sanctuary and nave
Chorus
A song performed by the singers of such a group.
Choir
Sing in a choir
Chorus
An actor who reads the prologue and epilogue of a play, and sometimes also acts as a commentator or narrator; also, a portion of a play read by this actor.
Chorus
A group of singers performing together; a choir; specifically, such a group singing together in a musical, an opera, etc., as distinct from the soloists; an ensemble.
The performance of the chorus was awe-inspiring and exhilarating.
Chorus
(by extension) A group of people in a performance who recite together.
Chorus
An instance of singing by a group of people.
Chorus
(figuratively)
Chorus
A group of people or animals who make sounds together.
A chorus of crickets
A chorus of whiners
Chorus
The noise or sound made by such a group.
A chorus of shouts and catcalls
Chorus
(music)
Chorus
A piece of music, especially one in a larger work such as an opera, written to be sung by a choir in parts (for example, by sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses).
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated between verses; a refrain.
The catchiest part of most songs is the chorus.
Chorus
The main part of a pop song played after the introduction.
Chorus
A group of organ pipes or organ stops intended to be played simultaneously; a compound stop; also, the sound made by such pipes or stops.
Chorus
A feature or setting in electronic music that makes one instrument sound like many.
Chorus
(Christianity) A simple, often repetitive, song intended to be sung in a group during informal worship.
Chorus
(jazz) The improvised solo section in a small group performance.
Chorus
(transitive)
Chorus
To sing (a song), express (a sentiment), or recite or say (words) in chorus.
Chorus
To express concurrence with (something said by another person); to echo.
Chorus
(rare) To provide (a song) with a chorus or refrain.
Chorus
(intransitive)
Chorus
To sing the chorus or refrain of a song.
Chorus
To sing, express, or say in, or as if in, unison.
Chorus
To echo in unison another person's words.
Chorus
Of animals: to make cries or sounds together.
Chorus
A band of singers and dancers.
The Grecian tragedy was at first nothing but a chorus of singers.
Chorus
A company of persons supposed to behold what passed in the acts of a tragedy, and to sing the sentiments which the events suggested in couplets or verses between the acts; also, that which was thus sung by the chorus.
What the lofty, grave tragedians taughtIn chorus or iambic.
Chorus
An interpreter in a dumb show or play.
Chorus
A company of singers singing in concert.
Chorus
A composition of two or more parts, each of which is intended to be sung by a number of voices.
Chorus
Parts of a song or hymn recurring at intervals, as at the end of stanzas; also, a company of singers who join with the singer or choir in singer or choir in singing such parts.
Chorus
The simultaneous of a company in any noisy demonstration; as, a Chorus of shouts and catcalls.
Chorus
To sing in chorus; to exclaim simultaneously.
Chorus
Any utterance produced simultaneously by a group;
A chorus of boos
Chorus
A group of people assembled to sing together
Chorus
The part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
Chorus
A body of dancers or singers who perform together
Chorus
A company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play
Chorus
Utter in unison;
`yes,' the children chorused
Chorus
Sing in a choir
Chorus
A group in a drama or play that comments on the main action.
The chorus provided insight into the protagonist's thoughts.
Chorus
A part of a song where multiple voices join in.
The lead singer waited for the backup singers to join in the chorus.
Common Curiosities
What does "Choir" commonly represent?
"Choir" usually denotes an organized group of singers.
What is the primary interpretation of "Chorus" in music?
In music, "Chorus" often refers to a repeated section of a song.
Can "Chorus" imply a theatrical group?
Yes, in drama, especially ancient Greek, a "Chorus" can mean a group that comments on the main action.
Can "Chorus" refer to instrument sounds?
Yes, "Chorus" can describe a collective sound made by many voices or instruments.
What's a choir's role in a church service?
A church choir typically leads or enhances singing during services.
Are all members of a choir professional singers?
No, choirs can consist of both professionals and amateurs.
Can "Chorus" be used as a verb?
Less commonly, but yes, as in "The children chorused their agreement."
Is "Choir" specific to religious settings?
Often, but not always. Choirs can perform outside of religious contexts too.
Does "Chorus" always indicate multiple people singing?
Not always. It can refer to a repeated part of a song sung by even one person.
Is "Chorus" limited to human voices?
No, "Chorus" can also refer to sounds from instruments or even nature.
Can a choir perform non-religious songs?
Absolutely, many choirs perform a variety of genres.
Is every song's repeated section called a chorus?
Most often, but songs can also have refrains, which are similar to choruses.
Do all churches have choirs?
Not all, but many churches, especially larger ones, have choirs.
Can "Chorus" mean a group of people sharing an opinion?
Yes, as in "A chorus of approval echoed through the room."
How is "Choir" different from a band?
A "Choir" focuses on vocal performances, while a band usually involves instruments.
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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.
