chorale

noun

cho·​rale kə-ˈral How to pronounce chorale (audio) -ˈräl How to pronounce chorale (audio)
Synonyms of choralenext
1
: a hymn or psalm sung to a traditional or composed melody in church
also : a harmonization of a chorale melody
a Bach chorale
2
: chorus, choir

Synonyms of chorale

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Examples of chorale in a Sentence

practiced a chorale to perform in church a chorale that is regarded as being among the best in the state
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The score by Joseph Bishara is shivery with chorales that moan like wraiths in the wind. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Grymes reconstructed those works and arranged other popular war songs for the chorale to perform. — Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 Synchronized blinking faded when the researchers sped up the Bach chorales to 120 beats per minute. — Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026 The 70-voice chorale will be accompanied by an organist and a chamber orchestra. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for chorale

Word History

Etymology

German Choral, short for Choralgesang choral song

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chorale was in 1829

Phrases Containing chorale

Rhymes for chorale

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Browse Nearby Words

choralcelo
chorale
chorale prelude
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Cite this Entry

“Chorale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chorale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chorale

noun
cho·​rale kə-ˈral How to pronounce chorale (audio) -ˈräl How to pronounce chorale (audio)
1
: a sacred song sung by the choir or congregation or both at a church service : hymn
2
: chorus entry 1 sense 1b, choir

More from Merriam-Webster on chorale

Nglish: Translation of chorale for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chorale

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