Word Power: Test Your Knowledge of Christmas Words
You rarely encounter these Christmas words in everyday life, but you’ll hear them sung in timeless carols during the holiday season. May this Word Power quiz strike the right note to put you in the festive spirit!
Answer: C—Make a deep sound, as a cow
As in, “Upon hearing lowing and cowbells outside, Marit knew the herd had come home.”
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Answer: C—Six-winged angelic being
As in, “Fuyumi admired the finely drawn feathers on a medieval manuscript’s depiction of a seraph.”
Can you guess which song is the oldest Christmas carol?
Answer: A—Merry laughter
As in, “The kids’ adorable dance routine caused much mirth among the parents watching the school play.”
Could you use some mirth yourself? These funny holiday jokes should do the trick.
Christmas Word #4: Bobtail
A: Chaperone a date
B: Tail that’s been cut short on an animal
C: Victorian hairstyle
Answer: A—News
As in, “The townspeople patiently awaited the arrival of the next ship that would bring supplies, newcomers and tidings from overseas.”
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Answer: B—Shop where the goods cost five or 10 cents
As in, “Stocking everything from soap to stationery, five-and-tens were the precursors of today’s dollar stores.”
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Answer: A—Listen
As in, “‘Hark!’ cried one of the snowshoers. ‘Is that the call of a cardinal?’”
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Answer: C—Wrapped in fabric
As in, “But for her head, the baby was entirely swathed in a cozy wool blanket.”
Answer: B—Go from house to house singing Christmas carols
As in, “The McLarens’ wassailing garnered them a few cookies and many confused smiles.”
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Christmas Word #10: Sugar Plum
A: Small, round candy
B: Plum sweetened with syrup
C: Rosy cheek
Answer: A—Small, round candy
As in, “In centuries past, sugar plums were often made by layering coats of boiled sugar onto dried fruits, nuts or seeds.”
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Answer: B—Sing happily
As in, “The children trolled festive tunes while awaiting Santa’s promised appearance at their party.”
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Answer: A—See
As in, “The holiday parade was saturated with colourful lights, and Jai beheld it with excitement.”
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Answer: B—Large quantity
As in, “Abdul surveyed the bushels of leftover food and wondered how he would eat it all.”
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Answer: C—Sky
As in, “The welkin rang with cheers of ‘Happy New Year!’ when the clock struck midnight.”
Never heard of “welkin” before? Check out these crazy slang words from the 1920s!
Answer: B—Times long ago
As in, “Hannah and her former university roommate met to have a drink and reminisce about auld lang syne.”
Now that you’ve taken this Christmas words challenge, try your hand at this surprising Christmas trivia.