1. Small individual study desks or cubicles, typically in a library, where students can work privately.
Usage: Usually plural; common in academic settings
2. A small enclosed space or booth, historically used in monasteries or convents for individual monks or nuns to work or study.
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The library has dozens of carrels where students can study without distractions.
• She reserved one of the quiet carrels for her research project.
• The new library wing includes private carrels equipped with computers.
• Medieval monks worked in small carrels within the monastery.
• Students often prefer carrels to open desks when preparing for exams.