First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
chapel
noun chap·el \ˈcha-pəl\
: a small church
: a room or small building that is used for private church services or prayer by a family or group
: a room or area in a church that is used for prayer or small religious services
Full Definition of CHAPEL
1
: a subordinate or private place of worship: as a : a place of worship serving a residence or institution b : a small house of worship usually associated with a main church c : a room or recess in a church for meditation and prayer or small religious services
2
: a place of worship used by a Christian group other than an established church <a nonconformist chapel>
3
: a choir of singers belonging to a chapel
4
: a chapel service or assembly at a school or college
5
: an association of the employees in a printing office
6
a : funeral home b : a room for funeral services in a funeral home
See chapel defined for English-language learners
See chapel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHAPEL
Middle English, from Anglo-French chapele, from Medieval Latin cappella, from diminutive of Late Latin cappa cloak; from the cloak of St. Martin of Tours preserved as a sacred relic in a chapel built for that purpose
CHAPEL Defined for Kids
chapel
noun chap·el \ˈcha-pəl\
Definition of CHAPEL for Kids
1
: a building or a room or place for prayer or special religious services
2
: a religious service or assembly held in a school or college
Learn More About CHAPEL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: chapel–de–ferPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chapeau chinoisAll Words Near: chapel
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chapel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).