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

Their claims led federal prosecutors to indict eight former prison officials — including a former warden and a chaplain — on a slew of charges. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 20 June 2025

He will be assigned to Holy Family Parish in LaPorte with Father Nate Edquist, pastor, and serve as a hospital chaplain in Michigan City. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

Members of Congress regularly invite guest chaplains to deliver prayers Miller’s post sparked bipartisan condemnation. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 6 June 2025

Batista said the situation also exacerbates shortages of military and prison chaplains, hampering efforts to provide servicemembers and inmates ample opportunity to practice their religion, as federally required. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 21 May 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)