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

Russell Myers recently retired after 31 years as a chaplain at Allina Health, serving United Hospital and Allina Health EMS. —Russell N Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2025

The police department’s 2021 annual report contains a photo of its chaplains and refers to La Guardia as the lead chaplain. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025

Read Next Business How CLT chaplains offer hope and support inside one of the world’s busiest airports December 30, 2024 6:00 AM More on CLT CLT is the seventh busiest airport in the world for arrivals and departures, according to Airports Council International. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025

Some floor aides and police officers also had to stay up all night to accommodate the speech, Senate chaplain Barry Black said. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 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)