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 chaplains had had difficulty finding a standard prayerbook that would match the varied needs and backgrounds of their congregants, most of whom have little knowledge of or familiarity with Jewish practice. —Marla Brown Fogelman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025

People who will work in schools might not be trained chaplains or professional chaplains – just people who call themselves a chaplain. —Amy Lawton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2025

Bundy and Boone attempted to get married through the prison chaplain, who denied their request, as well as through the mail and Bundy's attorneys, who also didn't want to get involved. —Jessica Sager, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The chaplains are asked to commit to volunteering five hours a month. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025

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)