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.
In 1972, William Christopher joined the cast of M*A*S*H as Father John Mulcahy, the Catholic priest who serves as the Army chaplain. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 The school encouraged students and staff who need support to contact its counseling services or office of the chaplain. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 There are mental health resources, risk management programs, and chapter chaplains who provide real pastoral support. — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The actor was born Timothy James Curry in Grappenhall, England, to a Royal Navy chaplain and a school secretary on April 19, 1946. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chaplain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chaplain

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