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DictionaryRoot: khoros
Greek

khoros

a band of dancers and singers

Forms

  • khoros
  • chorus — The Latin form.
  • choir — The word changed through French before entering English.

Origin

An ancient Greek word whose deeper origin is uncertain.

Note

Choir and chorus are two English borrowings of the same Greek source through different routes.

1 / 2
noun / verb

choir

KWYRE/ˈkwaɪər/

An organized group of singers.

The choir sings together in robes while following the conductor.

Modern mixed adult church choir singing together in robes with conductor, no lettering on music or walls.
Etymology
choirGreeka band of dancers and singers

Greek khoros named a group that danced and sang together. The collective singing sense survives in choir, especially for church singers; the Greek word’s deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Diocese of Okrika252:40
So you can play drums in a well organized uh in a well organized band and well organized choir.
CLERGY, LAY MINISTERS, CHOIR WORSHOP 2026

More examples

  • Our choir rehearses every Wednesday evening.
  • The clergy sit in the choir beyond the nave.
  • In the poem, the birds choir together at dawn.

Forms

choir · choirs · choired · choiring

chorister noun — A singer who belongs to a choir.

Similar words

chorus
Often names the singing group in an opera or musical.
ensemble
Can describe musicians playing instruments, not just singers.