1. 1. A place of worship that is smaller than and subordinate to a church.
   2. A place of worship in an institution, such as a prison, college, or hospital.
   3. A recess or room in a church set apart for special or small services.
   4. A place of worship for those not belonging to an established church.
   5. The services held at a chapel: Students attend chapel each morning.
2. Music. A choir or orchestra connected with a place of worship at a royal court.
3. 1. A funeral home.
   2. A room in a funeral home used for conducting funeral services.

[Middle English chapele, from Old French, from Medieval Latin capella, chapel, canopy, cape (perhaps from a shrine containing the cape of St. Martin of Tours), diminutive of capa, from Late Latin cappa, hooded cloak.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.