1. plural of chorale; hymn tunes or religious songs, especially those associated with Protestant church services
Usage: music; religious

Examples

• The choir practiced several Bach chorales for Sunday service.
• Lutheran chorales form an important part of Protestant musical tradition.
• The organist played familiar chorales during the prelude.
• Many chorales were originally folk melodies adapted for religious use.
• The congregation sang traditional chorales with great enthusiasm.
• Bach harmonized numerous chorales in his cantatas.
• These chorales date back to the 16th century Reformation.