A young female who sings in a choir, especially in churches or schools.
From choir + girl, paralleling the male equivalent choirboy, created as gender terms for singers in organized groups.
The parallel terms choirboy and choirgirl remind us of how English historically split words by gender—today we'd probably just say 'choir members,' but these words are still used in traditional religious and classical music settings!
The parallel term 'choirgirl' emerged later and often carried diminished professional status compared to 'choirboy'; gendered terminology encoded power hierarchies even within ostensibly equal musical contexts.
Avoid gendered alternatives; use 'choir singer', 'choir member', or 'chorister' regardless of gender.
["choir singer","choir member","chorister"]
Female choristers' contributions were historically minimized by diminishing language; contemporary usage should reflect equal professional status.
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