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

After his escape from slavery in Kentucky, Allensworth joined the Civil War on the Union side, becoming a chaplain and rising to the rank of Colonel. —Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026

Watkins will play Elaine, who carries the spirit of Promise as the town’s head librarian, postmaster, sheriff, veterinarian, chaplain, and aunt to Asher (Eikenberry). —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 June 2026

On Friday, the Pentagon cut the number of religious affiliation codes from over 200 to 31 to help military chaplains streamline religious support services. —Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 8 June 2026

Army chaplains, along with some Navy chaplains, place flags at the gravesites of those buried on Chaplains Hill in Section 2 of the cemetery. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 23 May 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)