carrel UK /ˈkæɹəl/US /ˈkɛɹəl/ noun3 •A partitioned space for reading or studying, often in a library.He was busy writing his report in a small library carrel. •(no longer used) A type of fabric used in the 16th and 17th centuries. •(no longer used) Synonym of quarrel (“a square-headed arrow”). formscarrels