Pronunciation (UK) IPA (key): /ˈtʃɑːnsəl/ (US) IPA (key): /ˈtʃænsəl/ Audio (UK)(file) Noun Singular chancel Plural chancels The chancel is the part of a church near the altar that is reserved for the clergy and choir, and typically separated from the nave by steps or a screen. Synonyms: presbytery and sanctuaryWikiwand - on Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.Remove ads