choir

/ˈkwaɪər/

/ˈkwaɪə/

Other forms: choirs; choiring; choired

A choir is group of singers, often gathered for church ceremonies. If you love to sing but don't fancy a solo turn on a TV talent show, perhaps joining a choir would satisfy you.

Choir, pronounced QUIRE, comes from the Latin word chorus, which itself comes from the Greek name for a group of singers and dancers. We still use chorus for singing or dancing, but choir is exclusively for singing groups. Although choirs are traditionally associated with church services, they don't have to be. If you love singing but aren't religious, you could start a choir that sings about the glory of donuts. It's also a verb, as in, "I love to choir."

Definitions of choir

1. noun

   a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
   type of:

   chorus

   a group of people assembled to sing together
2. noun

   the area occupied by singers; the part of the chancel between sanctuary and nave
   type of:

   area

   a part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function
3. noun

   a family of similar musical instrument playing together
   synonyms: consort

   type of:

   set

   a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
4. verb

   sing in a choir
   synonyms: chorus

   type of:

   sing

   produce tones with the voice