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Definition of carl

carl

/kɑːrl/
carl
Plural:carls
•
Adjective:carlish
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carl Lexical Profile

carl Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Scottish A man of the common people; a rustic, peasant, or countryman, often with the connotation of being rough, boorish, or stingy.

Example

"In the old Scottish ballad, a gruff carl guarded the gate to the manor and refused shelter to the travelers."

2

In Anglo-Saxon and medieval Scandinavian history, a freeman of the lowest rank, such as a housecarl.

Example

"Unlike a thrall, a Norse carl possessed the legal right to bear arms and speak at the local assembly."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for carl

• Nearby Words

carjack
carjacker
carjacking
carl
carless
carlina
carload

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old Norse 'karl', meaning 'man' or 'freeman', which is cognate with Old English 'ceorl' (the root of 'churl') and the given name 'Charles'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carl. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carl
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