chaplet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Literary, formal, religious, historical, and technical (foundry). Rare in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “chaplet” mean?
A decorative garland or wreath for the head, or a string of beads used in prayer, similar to but smaller than a rosary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative garland or wreath for the head, or a string of beads used in prayer, similar to but smaller than a rosary.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any small circlet, crown, or ring, especially one made of flowers or jewels. In machining/engineering, a 'chaplet' is a metal support used in casting to hold a core in place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties. The foundry/engineering sense is technical jargon used in both.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of antiquity, formality, or religious piety. Often found in poetic or historical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. More likely encountered in literature, religious texts, or historical descriptions than in modern spoken English.
Grammar
How to Use “chaplet” in a Sentence
[Verb] + chaplet (wear, weave, place, pray)chaplet + [Preposition] + [Noun] (chaplet of roses, chaplet on her head)[Adjective] + chaplet (floral, beaded, simple, golden)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chaplet” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The effigy of the saint was adorned with a delicate silver chaplet.
- The old nun fingered her chaplet silently in the chapel.
- In the foundry, they used chaplets to position the core for the casting.
American English
- The May Queen wore a chaplet of daisies in her hair.
- He prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet every afternoon.
- The design required several internal chaplets to prevent the core from shifting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies. Also in engineering (foundry work).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or highly specific.
Technical
Specific meaning in metal casting: a metal support for a core.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaplet”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtʃeɪplɪt/.
- Confusing with 'chapter'.
- Using in modern contexts where 'headband', 'wreath', or 'garland' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A rosary is a specific type of prayer beads with a set structure (typically 59 beads). A chaplet is a more general term for a string of prayer beads and can refer to other devotional sets with different numbers of beads and prayers (e.g., the Divine Mercy Chaplet).
No, 'chaplet' is only a noun in modern English. Historically, the verb 'to chapel' or 'to chaplet' (to adorn with a chaplet) existed but is now obsolete.
The objects it describes (head wreaths, specific prayer beads) are not common features of modern everyday life in most English-speaking cultures, making the word largely literary, historical, or technical.
Only etymologically. Both come from the Old French 'chapelet', meaning 'small hat' or 'garland'. The engineering chaplet 'supports' a core like a garland might sit on/support the head, but the connection is not directly meaningful in modern technical use.
A decorative garland or wreath for the head, or a string of beads used in prayer, similar to but smaller than a rosary.
Chaplet is usually literary, formal, religious, historical, and technical (foundry). rare in everyday conversation. in register.
Chaplet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæplɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæplɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common. 'To wear the chaplet of victory' is a possible poetic/literary construction.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'chap' (like a fellow) with a 'let' (small thing) on his head -> a small wreath for a chap's head.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHAPLET IS A CROWN OF HONOUR/PURITY (e.g., a chaplet of virtue). A CHAPLET IS A CIRCLE OF DEVOTION (prayer beads).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'chaplet' LEAST likely to be used?