chaplain

noun

chap·​lain ˈcha-plən How to pronounce chaplain (audio)
Synonyms of chaplainnext
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 How to pronounce chaplain (audio)
noun

Examples of chaplain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On this morning, volunteers pack up notebooks, Bibles and cards that chaplains will share with people behind bars. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 After escaping from slavery in Kentucky, Allensworth joined the Civil War on the Union side, becoming a chaplain and rising to the rank of Colonel. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is creating a Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs that will report directly to him and advocate for chaplains and religious support. — Tiffany Stanley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 In the execution chamber, a prison chaplain rested his hand on Ramey's shoulder before leading him in a brief prayer. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chaplain

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chaplain was in the 12th century

Rhymes for chaplain

See All Rhymes for chaplain

Browse Nearby Words

chapiter
chaplain
chaplaincy
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Cite this Entry

“Chaplain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaplain. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chaplain

noun
chap·​lain ˈchap-lən How to pronounce chaplain (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on chaplain

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