# Chaplin

/ˈtʃæpɫən/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chaplin
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who works as a priest or religious leader for a specific group, like in a hospital, the army, or a prison. They provide support and guidance to people who might not be able to go to a regular church.

For teachers: a member of the clergy or a layperson commissioned to provide religious or spiritual care within a secular institution. Often serves in military, medical, or correctional contexts.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the chaplain of the church" but "the priest of the church" — A chaplain is specifically attached to an institution (like a school or army) rather than a traditional parish or church congregation.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in institutional contexts such as 'hospital chaplain' or 'prison chaplain'.

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