Chapel: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

chapel

 

[ ˈtʃæpəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

place of worship

A chapel is a small building or room used for Christian worship within a larger institution or building, such as a school, hospital, or prison. It is typically used for prayer services, weddings, funerals, and other religious ceremonies.

Synonyms

church, oratory, sanctuary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
chapel

A small place of worship, often attached to a larger church or institution, such as a hospital or university. Often used for personal or small group devotion.

  • They got married in the campus chapel.
  • We visited the chapel for a quiet moment of prayer.
church

A larger building used for public Christian worship, typically referring to the main place of worship for a community.

  • They attend church every Sunday.
  • The church was filled with people for the holiday service.
sanctuary

The sacred, most-dignified area within a church, often around the altar; also used to describe a place of refuge and safety.

  • The sanctuary was decorated beautifully for the wedding.
  • During the storm, they sought sanctuary in the old church.
oratory

A small, private chapel, often found in a private home or a monastery. Used for individual prayer or small services.

  • The oratory provided a peaceful place for reflection.
  • She spent an hour in the oratory every morning.

Examples of usage

  • The chapel at the university is open to students of all faiths.
  • They held a memorial service for the fallen soldiers in the chapel.
  • I got married in the chapel of the old castle.

Translations

Translations of the word "chapel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 capela

🇮🇳 चैपल

🇩🇪 Kapelle

🇮🇩 kapel

🇺🇦 каплиця

🇵🇱 kaplica

🇯🇵 チャペル

🇫🇷 chapelle

🇪🇸 capilla

🇹🇷 şapel

🇰🇷 예배당

🇸🇦 كنيسة صغيرة

🇨🇿 kaple

🇸🇰 kaplnka

🇨🇳 小礼拜堂

🇸🇮 kapela

🇮🇸 kapella

🇰🇿 шіркеулік

🇬🇪 სამლოცველო

🇦🇿 kapella

🇲🇽 capilla

Etymology

The word 'chapel' originated from the Latin word 'cappella', which means 'little cloak'. This term was used to describe a sanctuary that housed the sacred relics of a saint. Over time, the concept of a chapel evolved to refer to a place of Christian worship, separate from a church. Chapels have played a significant role in providing spiritual solace and a sense of community in various institutions and settings.

See also: chap, chapati, chapter.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,833 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.