chaperone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “chaperone” mean?
An older or more responsible person who accompanies and supervises young people, especially a woman accompanying a younger unmarried woman in public to ensure propriety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An older or more responsible person who accompanies and supervises young people, especially a woman accompanying a younger unmarried woman in public to ensure propriety.
A person, often an adult or professional, who accompanies and oversees a group or individual to ensure safety, good behaviour, or protocol compliance. Also used as a verb meaning to act in this capacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling difference; 'chaperone' is standard in both. In UK English, 'chaperon' (without the 'e') is an accepted older variant but rarely used today.
Connotations
UK: retains stronger historical connotation of social propriety; US: more often used for any supervisory role (school trips, events).
Frequency
More frequent in US English for school/extracurricular contexts. In UK English, slightly more formal/dated except in specific contexts like debutante balls.
Grammar
How to Use “chaperone” in a Sentence
chaperone [someone]chaperone [someone] to [event/place]chaperone [event/group]act as chaperone forVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chaperone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Mrs. Wilson agreed to chaperone the school trip to the Natural History Museum.
- In Edwardian times, an aunt would often chaperone a young lady to balls.
American English
- Parents are needed to chaperone the middle-school dance on Friday.
- She chaperoned the debate team to the state competition.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
adjective
British English
- The chaperone role fell to the eldest sister.
- (Rare as pure adjective; usually noun adjunct: chaperone duties).
American English
- All chaperone volunteers must pass a background check.
- We have a strict chaperone policy for overnight trips.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may refer to someone escorting visiting delegates.
Academic
Used in literature/history contexts discussing social customs; also for supervising school trips.
Everyday
Common for school events, dances, youth outings.
Technical
Used in genetics ('chaperone proteins') but distinct meaning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaperone”
- Spelling: 'chaperon' (acceptable but less common) vs 'chaperone' (standard).
- Using as a synonym for 'teacher' – a chaperone doesn't instruct.
- Assuming it applies only to women.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Historically, chaperones were typically women supervising young women. Modern usage is gender-neutral; fathers often chaperone scout trips, for example.
A babysitter cares for children in a private home, while a chaperone supervises young people in public or group settings, often focusing on behaviour and safety rather than basic care.
Yes, commonly so. e.g., 'I chaperoned the school dance.' It means to act as a chaperone for someone or an event.
Yes, 'chaperon' is an older, originally French, spelling. However, 'chaperone' (with the 'e') is now the far more common and recommended spelling in both British and American English.
An older or more responsible person who accompanies and supervises young people, especially a woman accompanying a younger unmarried woman in public to ensure propriety.
Chaperone is usually formal / semi-formal in register.
Chaperone: 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
- “play chaperone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHAP who's ALONE with the young people, making sure they behave – he's their CHAPERONE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD; SOCIAL CONTROL IS A GUARD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chaperone' LEAST likely to be used today?