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DictionarychoraleChurch song
noun

chorale

kuh-RAL/kəˈræl/

A hymn tune or harmonized church song.

The choir sings a chorale from hymnals beneath the church cross.

A small church choir sings together from open hymnals beneath a simple cross, making sacred communal singing—not a secular concert—the focus.
Etymology
choraleGermanmetrical church hymn

German Choral meant a metrical church hymn and was shortened from a phrase meaning “choral song.” The name connects the hymn tune with collective singing by a choir or congregation.

More examples

  • The students harmonize a familiar chorale.
  • Bach's chorales form part of the concert program.
  • A simple chorale tune opens the service.

Forms

chorale · chorales

Similar words

hymn
A hymn is a religious song generally; chorale often refers to a particular hymn tradition or harmonized setting.