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

Weigert plays Chaplain Bannon, the prison chaplain who counsels inmates in need. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

The 5,000 sailors aboard the carrier have access to mental health assistance as well as chaplains, according to the official. — Justin Fishel, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Anderson said a Liberty County chaplain was on the scene to support family members and the firefighters who responded to the call. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Chaneyfield also was the chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice in Lakeland and had previously been employed by Crystal Lake Middle School as a substitute teacher. — David K. Li, NBC news, 5 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)