# Noel

/noʊˈɛɫ/ (US) · /nˈəʊl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/noel
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. Christmas

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

an old or poetic word for Christmas.

For teachers: the festival of Christmas. Often used in literary or religious contexts to evoke a traditional atmosphere.

- The old cards were decorated with gold letters wishing everyone a happy Noel.
- The poet used the term Noel to evoke a sense of ancient tradition that modern celebrations often lack.

Usage: Usually capitalized when referring to the holiday itself.

### 2. a Christmas song

noun · CEFR B2

a Christmas carol or religious song about the birth of Jesus.

For teachers: a Christmas carol or hymn, specifically one of medieval origin or written in a traditional style.

- The choir sang a beautiful Noel during the midnight service.
- The program featured several French noels arranged for a modern chamber orchestra.

Usage: Can be used as a common noun (a noel) or capitalized in titles.

## Examples

- The choir sang a beautiful noel during the service.
- The shop window was decorated with gold letters wishing everyone a joyous noel.
- While modern celebrations often focus on the secular aspects of the season, the term noel evokes a more traditional, almost medieval atmosphere of winter celebration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.