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

Florida has previously followed Texas on education policy, adopting a religious chaplain policy in 2024 a year after Texas did. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Jacob James, who first had to educate the post’s chaplains himself. — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

The calls often open with a guest speaker and close with an evening prayer, offered by a chaplain in the Los Angeles County Fire Department. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

According to its tax records, the nonprofit provides chaplain services and educational programming in correctional facilities. — Jack Brook, ABC News, 6 July 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)