noun Uncommon

chaplain

CHAP-lihn

Quiz me More like this

Chaplain (noun) means a clergy member or spiritual advisor formally attached to a school, hospital, prison, military unit, or similar institution rather than a church congregation. Example: “The hospital chaplain visits patients who want someone to talk to about faith or loss.”

noun

A clergy member or spiritual advisor formally attached to a school, hospital, prison, military unit, or similar institution rather than a church congregation.

"The hospital chaplain visits patients who want someone to talk to about faith or loss."

"An army chaplain travels with the troops to offer support wherever they are stationed."

A non-religious counsellor who provides similar pastoral or emotional support in a secular setting.

"Some universities now employ humanist chaplains for students who want guidance without religion."

How to use chaplain

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spiritual or pastoral advisor attached to an organisation like a hospital, prison, or the military, rather than a regular church.

Common pairings

hospital chaplain military chaplain prison chaplain school chaplain

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like chaplain.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: chaplains

Test yourself on “chaplain” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The hospital _____ visits patients who want someone to talk to about faith or loss.

Etymology

From Middle English chapeleyn, via Old French chapelain, tracing back to Late Latin cappellanus — originally someone who cared for a saint's relic (cappella, "little cloak"), which also gave us the word "chapel."

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for chaplain

ain rain pain lain gain main vain fain bain Iain Jain Cain

See all rhymes for chaplain →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chaplain” mean?

The word “chaplain” means a clergy member or spiritual advisor formally attached to a school, hospital, prison, military unit, or similar institution rather than a church congregation. In plain terms, a spiritual or pastoral advisor attached to an organisation like a hospital, prison, or the military, rather than a regular church.

How do you pronounce “chaplain”?

“Chaplain” is pronounced CHAP-lihn (/ˈt͡ʃæp.lɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “chaplain” in a sentence?

Here is “chaplain” used in a sentence: “The hospital chaplain visits patients who want someone to talk to about faith or loss.”

What part of speech is “chaplain”?

“Chaplain” is a noun.

Where does the word “chaplain” come from?

The word “chaplain” comes from Late Latin. From Middle English chapeleyn, via Old French chapelain, tracing back to Late Latin cappellanus — originally someone who cared for a saint's relic (cappella, "little cloak"), which also gave us the word "chapel.".

Is “chaplain” a common word?

“Chaplain” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “chaplain” have?

“Chaplain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clergy member or spiritual advisor formally attached to a school, hospital, prison, military unit, or similar institution rather than a church congregation.