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noun

chaperon

SHA-puh-rohn

Chaperon (noun) means an older or responsible person who accompanies young people at a social event to supervise their behaviour. Example: “A chaperon stood near the school dance all evening.”

noun
1
An older or responsible person who accompanies young people at a social event to supervise their behaviour.
"A chaperon stood near the school dance all evening."
verb
1
To accompany and supervise someone, especially a young person, at a social event.
"Her aunt chaperoned the trip to make sure the teenagers behaved."

How to use chaperon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo keep watch over young people at an event, or the person who does so.

UK vs US

Both "chaperon" and "chaperone" are used, but "chaperone" is now far more common in everyday writing.

Easily confused with

Word forms

chaperoned past tense, chaperons plural, chaperons singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ stood near the school dance all evening.

Etymology

From French chaperon, originally a type of hood, from chape ("cape, hood").

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for chaperon

See all rhymes for chaperon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chaperon” mean?

The word “chaperon” means an older or responsible person who accompanies young people at a social event to supervise their behaviour. In plain terms, to keep watch over young people at an event, or the person who does so.

How do you pronounce “chaperon”?

“Chaperon” is pronounced SHA-puh-rohn (/ˈʃæ.pəˌɹoʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “chaperon” in a sentence?

Here is “chaperon” used in a sentence: “A chaperon stood near the school dance all evening.”

What part of speech is “chaperon”?

Depending on how it is used, “chaperon” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “chaperon” come from?

The word “chaperon” comes from French. From French chaperon, originally a type of hood, from chape ("cape, hood").

How many meanings does “chaperon” have?

“Chaperon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an older or responsible person who accompanies young people at a social event to supervise their behaviour.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial