chaperon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal; also historical in the core social sense.
Quick answer
What does “chaperon” mean?
An older person who accompanies and supervises younger, unmarried people (especially women) in social situations to ensure propriety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An older person who accompanies and supervises younger, unmarried people (especially women) in social situations to ensure propriety.
Any person, especially an adult or official, who accompanies and is responsible for the safety, good behavior, or well-being of others in a temporary capacity (e.g., on a school trip, during an interview). Can also refer to a protein that assists in the correct folding of other proteins.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: Both "chaperon" and "chaperone" are used in both varieties, but "chaperone" is now more common globally, especially for the verb. The traditional British preference was for "chaperon" (without the 'e'), but this distinction has blurred.
Connotations
Identical. Both strongly evoke a formal, somewhat old-fashioned social role, though the extended sense is neutral.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE in contemporary use, often due to media coverage of events like school formals/proms where chaperones are required.
Grammar
How to Use “chaperon” in a Sentence
chaperon [somebody]chaperon [somebody] to/at/around [somewhere]be chaperoned by [somebody]act as chaperon for [somebody]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chaperon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her aunt will chaperon her at the country dance.
- All field trips must be chaperoned by two qualified adults.
American English
- Her aunt will chaperone her at the homecoming dance.
- All field trips must be chaperoned by two staff members.
adverb
British English
- This word is not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The chaperon duties were clearly outlined in the handbook. (Attributive use)
American English
- The chaperone responsibilities were listed on the sign-up sheet. (Attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of compliance or ethics, e.g., 'An independent director chaperoned the sensitive negotiations.'
Academic
Used in historical/social studies discussing 19th-century customs. Common in molecular biology for 'chaperone proteins'.
Everyday
Used for school trips, youth events, or dances/proms. Often humorous or slightly archaic when referring to dating.
Technical
Predominantly in biochemistry: 'molecular chaperone'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chaperon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaperon”
- Misspelling as 'chaperone' for the noun (now widely accepted) or 'chaperon' for the verb (less common).
- Using it as a synonym for a simple 'companion' or 'date'.
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like 'chip') instead of /ʃ/ (like 'shop').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, 'chaperon' was the noun, and 'chaperone' the verb. In modern usage, 'chaperone' is the more common spelling for both, though both are accepted. The 'e' is almost always used for the verb.
The traditional social role is largely obsolete in Western cultures. However, the concept remains in modified forms: adults supervising school trips, 'chaperones' at teen dances/proms, or in certain professional settings (e.g., a chaperone during a medical examination for patient comfort).
Yes. While historically the role was often filled by an older woman (a duenna or governess), the term is gender-neutral. A father, teacher, or any responsible adult can act as a chaperon.
In biochemistry, a chaperone (or molecular chaperone) is a protein that assists other proteins in achieving their proper three-dimensional structure (folding) without being part of the final structure, often preventing harmful aggregations.
An older person who accompanies and supervises younger, unmarried people (especially women) in social situations to ensure propriety.
Chaperon is usually formal; also historical in the core social sense. in register.
Chaperon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃæp.ə.rəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃæp.ə.roʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To play chaperon (to act as a chaperon).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHAPELY CROWN (sounds like 'chaperon') placed on the head of a responsible lady, marking her as the supervisor of the young party-goers.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUPERVISOR IS A PROTECTIVE COVERING (from French 'chape' meaning hood or cape).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chaperone' used in a highly technical, non-social sense?