noun
chapel
CHAP-ul/ˈtʃæpl/
A small building or designated area for religious worship.
A simple altar and a few wooden pews furnish the small chapel.
Etymology
The pieces mean “little cape.” By tradition, this became a name for a sanctuary housing Saint Martin’s cloak, then a more general term for a small or subordinate place of worship.
In context
quiet prayer and solitude. These places don't have big buildings or many rooms. They are meant for deep personal reflection, not community life. Think of a small cottage with a chapel nearby.
More examples
- The cathedral contains several side chapels.
- The couple married in the village chapel.
- A narrow window lights the chapel's altar.
Forms
chapel · chapels
Similar words
- church
- Church often names a congregation's main worship building; chapel may be smaller or part of another institution.