French word

chaperon

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃapəʁɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounchaperone

Example

Le chaperon est resté avec les enfants pendant la sortie.

The chaperone remained with the children during the outing.

Illustration for chaperon (chaperone)

More examples

La mère a demandé un chaperon pour la sortie scolaire.

The mother asked for a chaperone for the school outing.

Core concept

A responsible adult accompanying a group, especially where supervision and proper behavior matter.

Common phrases

  • un chaperon

    a chaperone

  • chaperon scolaire

    school chaperone

  • chaperon de sortie

    field-trip chaperone

Similar words

responsable: A person who oversees an event or group, including its organization and safety.
moniteur: A person who instructs participants and keeps them safe during activities or study.
surveillant: A person who observes conduct and helps preserve order and safety.
accompagnant: A person who travels with someone to provide care and practical assistance.

Definition in French

Adulte chargé d'accompagner et de garder la conduite d'une ou plusieurs personnes, en particulier lors d'une sortie ou dans un cadre social.

Word origin

The noun developed from Old French chaperon, meaning a hood, which derives from chape and ultimately from Latin cappa; its meaning broadened from covering to protection and supervision.

Usage tips

  • French chaperon is pronounced roughly /ʃapʁɔ̃/, with a nasal final vowel, rather than like English chaperone.

Related words

  • chaperonnerchaperoneverb
  • chaperonnagechaperoningnoun
  • chaperonnéchaperonedadjective

Word lists with this word