choir
An organized group of singers, typically one that takes part in church services or performs in public.
While 'choir' and 'chorus' are often used interchangeably, 'choir' is more commonly associated with religious, school, or community institutions, whereas 'chorus' often refers to theatrical or symphonic groups.
Word relationships
- chorus: Chorus is often used for larger, secular groups, especially those performing in operas, musicals, or with symphonies.
- ensemble: Ensemble is a general term for any group of musicians performing together, which can include both singers and instrumentalists.
- soloist: A soloist is a single performer, whereas a choir is a collective group of singers.
Commonly confused with
- quire: Quire is an archaic spelling of choir, but in modern English, it refers to a unit of paper quantity (usually 24 or 25 sheets).
Word family
- choral (adjective): Relating to or sung by a choir.
- chorister (noun): A member of a choir, especially a child singing in a church choir.
Collocations
- church choir
- school choir
- choir practice
- choir director
- join a choir
Idioms & expressions
- preach to the choir
Example sentences
- "The cathedral choir sang a hauntingly beautiful Latin hymn that echoed off the stone walls." A description of a cathedral performance.
- "The choir, clad in white surplices, poured forth their voices in a flood of sacred melody." A classic literary reference to choral singing.
Memory hook
Think of a choir standing in a semi-circle, singing together. They are like a 'circle' of voices, tracing back to the Greek circle dance. A choir is a circle of voices.
When not to use
Do not use 'choir' to refer to a small, informal group of pop singers (which is usually called a vocal group or backing singers).
Fun facts
- The spelling of 'choir' was deliberately changed in the 17th century from 'quire' to match the Latin 'chorus', but the old pronunciation was kept, which is why it is pronounced like 'quire' and not 'coir'.
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