chaplain

Everyday

1. (church) A minister, priest or religious leader who works not in a parish church but in a school, hospital, prison, army, university or sports team, caring for people there. tree →
2. Today, some chaplains serve people of all faiths and none, offering a listening ear. tree →

In the lessons

In church life and school life a chaplain leads prayers or assemblies at a school, visits the sick in hospital and comforts soldiers or prisoners. Christians believe chaplains bring God's care into everyday places. In stories, a hospital or army chaplain often helps someone in a hard moment. Phrases: school chaplain, hospital chaplain, army chaplain.

Examples

• The school chaplain led our assembly. tree →
• The hospital chaplain sat with Grandma and prayed with her. tree →
• Army chaplains go with soldiers to support them. tree →
• You can talk to the chaplain if you feel worried. tree →
• The college chaplain held a service in the chapel. tree →
• The prison chaplain visits people who are in jail. tree →

Note

Countable: a chaplain, chaplains. Pronounced CHAP-lin. Related word: chapel (a small church or prayer room). Not the same as Charlie Chaplin, the silent film comedian (a name, spelled differently).