choir
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a group of people who sing together, especially in a church, school, or concert hall.
an organized company of singers, typically performing choral music in a religious or secular context.
Simple“The school choir is practicing every afternoon for the winter concert.”
In context“The cathedral choir performed a complex polyphonic arrangement that showcased the exceptional range of the soprano soloists.”
UsageOften used with a singular verb in British English and American English, though plural verbs are also common in British English.
- 02 C1 Advanced
the area in a large church where the singers and priests sit, usually near the front.
the area of a cruciform church between the nave and the sanctuary, traditionally reserved for the clergy and the choir.
Simple“The tourists admired the beautifully carved wooden seats in the choir.”
In context“The architect noted that the choir was unusually elongated, a common feature in English Gothic cathedrals compared to their continental counterparts.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
one of the nine levels or groups of angels in some religious traditions.
one of the nine traditional orders or ranks of celestial beings in Christian angelology.
Simple“Ancient stories describe the different choirs of angels singing in heaven.”
In context“The theologian discussed the hierarchical distinction between the various choirs of angels, specifically focusing on the seraphim and cherubim.”
From Middle English quer, quere, from Old French quer, from Latin chorus, from Ancient Greek χορός (khorós, “company of dancers or singers”). Modern spelling influenced by chorus and French chœur. Doublet of quire, chorus, and hora.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.