chaplain

noun

chap·​lain ˈcha-plən 

1

: a clergyperson in charge of a chapel

2

: a clergyperson officially attached to a branch of the military, to an institution, or to a family or court

3

: a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as at a meeting of a club or society)

4

: a clergyperson appointed to assist a bishop (as at a liturgical function)

chaplaincy

ˈcha-plən-sē 

noun

Examples of chaplain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The services were led by the Lighthouse Church’s senior pastor, Kevin Tuck, a former chaplain and police officer, who delivered fiery sermons in contemporary clothes. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

After 9/11, Judge’s fire chaplain helmet was presented to Pope John Paul II. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

In 1972, William Christopher joined the cast of M*A*S*H as Father John Mulcahy, the Catholic priest who serves as the Army chaplain. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

The school encouraged students and staff who need support to contact its counseling services or office of the chaplain. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chapelein, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cappellanus, from cappella

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for chaplain

• caplin

Kids Definition

chaplain

noun

chap·​lain ˈchap-lən 

1

: a member of the clergy officially attached to a special group (as the army)

2

: a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as for a club)