What does chaperone mean?
A chaperone is a person who accompanies and supervises others—typically children, teenagers, or young adults—at social gatherings, dances, trips, and other events where adult oversight is expected. The role is most often filled by parents, teachers, or volunteers responsible for ensuring safety and appropriate behavior. As a verb, to chaperone means to take on that supervisory accompaniment oneself, as when a parent chaperones a class field trip. The word carries a largely neutral, practical connotation today, though its origins are more colorful: it comes from the French "chaperon," meaning a hood or protective covering, reflecting an earlier era when such guardians were seen as sheltering unmarried women's reputations. Both the noun and verb are standard in American and British English, and the older spelling "chaperon" remains acceptable. The word is useful precisely because English lacks another single term for this familiar figure of supervised outings.
A person who accompanies and supervises others, especially young people, at social events or outings.
"Three teachers acted as chaperones for the senior prom."
Often used in plural for groups accompanying school trips or dances.
To accompany and supervise someone, especially a young person, in order to ensure their safety or propriety.
"Mrs. Alvarez agreed to chaperone the choir's visit to the capital."
Commonly used with an object, e.g. "chaperone the students."
Standard plural, formed regularly by adding -s. Used when referring to multiple supervisors on a group event.
"The museum requires one chaperone for every ten visiting students."
A chaperone is literally named after a hood: the word comes from the French "chaperon," the protective head covering that once shielded young women's reputations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chaperone
The word "chaperone" comes from the French "chaperon," meaning a hood or hooded garment, derived ultimately from the Latin "cappa," the same source as "cape" and "cap." The sense shifted metaphorically: just as a hood shelters the head, a chaperone shelters the young person under supervision. It entered English in the early 18th century, initially referring to a female guardian who accompanied unmarried women in society before broadening to its modern supervisory meaning.
Related word forms
How chaperone is actually used
Both noun and verb are common in everyday use, particularly in school, church, and youth-group contexts. The verb is often used reflexively in phrases like "volunteer to chaperone." The older spelling "chaperon" persists in some British usage. Historically associated with protecting unmarried women, the word now carries a neutral, practical tone rather than a strictly moral one.
Easily confused with chaperone
"Chaperon" is an older spelling of the same word and also names the historical hooded garment it derives from; both spellings are accepted for the modern meaning.