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 themselves are also much more diverse. —Cornelia Powers, The Atlantic, 18 May 2025

There was no response, and several years later, when Ms. Kaczynski was near death, David contacted the prison chaplain. —Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Font’s Point was named by explorer Juan Bautista de Anza to honor Father Pedro Font, who served as chaplain for the first overland expedition from Mexico to colonize California in 1775-76. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

The couple exchanged handwritten vows in private and traditional vows during the ceremony, which was officiated by the Detroit Lions' team chaplain and director of player engagement, Sean Pugh. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 18 Mar. 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)