What does choir mean?
A choir is an organized ensemble of singers who perform together, most characteristically in a religious context where it leads congregational worship, though the term extends readily to secular groups in schools, colleges, and concert settings. Choirs are typically arranged by voice part — soprano, alto, tenor, and bass — under the direction of a conductor or choirmaster. The word also names the architectural space in a church or cathedral, east of the nave, where the singers and clergy sit during services. Derived forms include the adjective 'choral', describing music written for or performed by such groups, and 'chorister', meaning a member of a choir. A familiar idiom, 'preaching to the choir', refers to making an argument to people who already agree with it. Rooted ultimately in the Greek 'khoros', a band of dancers and singers, the word carries connotations of harmony, communal effort, and shared devotion.
An organized group of singers who perform together, especially one that leads the singing in a church service.
"The school choir rehearsed twice a week for the spring concert."
Commonly modified by place or function: 'church choir', 'school choir', 'mixed choir', 'cathedral choir'.
The part of a church or cathedral, situated east of the nave, where the clergy and singers are seated during services.
"Visitors admired the carved wooden stalls lining the choir."
Also called the 'quire' in older ecclesiastical usage.
(Rare) To sing in a choir or to sing in unison.
"The villagers choired the old carol as they had done for generations."
Largely archaic or literary; rarely used in modern English.
Standard regular plural. Used when referring to multiple singing ensembles or to several such spaces in different churches.
"Churches across the region sent their choirs to take part in the festival."
'Choir' and 'choir' of paper — spelled 'quire' — come from the same root, which is why a group of singers and a stack of paper once shared a name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of choir
'Choir' entered English in the Middle Ages from Old French 'quer' (later 'chœur'), which derived from the Latin 'chorus', itself borrowed from the Greek 'khoros' — a band of singers and dancers in classical performance. The same Greek root gives English 'chorus' and, through later formations, 'choreography'. An older English spelling, 'quire', survives today only in the unrelated-feeling paper measure, though it was once simply another way of writing the same word.
Related word forms
How choir is actually used
The plural 'choirs' is standard. The verb form ('to choir') exists but is rare and largely archaic; 'choral' is the usual adjectival form, and members may be called 'choristers'. In American English the word applies equally to secular singing groups, often qualified as 'school choir' or 'show choir'.
Easily confused with choir
A 'quire' is an archaic spelling now mainly used for a set of twenty-four sheets of paper (a twentieth of a ream), whereas a 'choir' is a group of singers — though both words share the same historical origin.
A 'chorale' is a specific type of Lutheran hymn tune or a musical composition based on one, while a 'choir' is the body of singers itself.