Choral

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːɹəl/

Definitions

1. Relating to a style of music created for multiple voices performing in unison, especially within a choir setting
2. Referring to performances that involve a collective of singers harmonizing together, often in a structured composition
3. Pertaining to music performed by a group of singers, typically in harmony and often associated with religious or formal ceremonies

Etymology: "Choral" comes from the ancient Greek "choros," a word for a circular dance performed with singing, and the Romans borrowed it as "chorus." The Late Latin adjective "choralis" then took that sense of group singing, and English adopted it for music performed by a choir. The word is closely tied to "chorale," a hymn-like tune sung by a congregation, and the two words are cognates that passed into English along slightly different routes. Its near-twin shows the family connection clearly. Both descend from the same root, so the adjective describes anything belonging to a chorus, whether a sung piece for a choir or a set of voices speaking together.

Synonyms: chorus, singing