chapter

[ chap-ter ]

noun

1. a main division of a book, treatise, or the like, usually bearing a number or title.
2. a branch, usually restricted to a given locality, of a society, organization, fraternity, etc.:

   the Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross.

3. an important portion or division of anything:

   The atomic bomb opened a new chapter in history.

   Synonyms: phase, period, episode, era

4. Ecclesiastical.
   1. an assembly of the monks in a monastery, of those in a province, or of the entire order.
   2. a general assembly of the canons of a church.
   3. a meeting of the elected representatives of the provinces or houses of a religious community.
   4. the body of such canons or representatives collectively.
5. any general assembly.
6. Liturgy. a short scriptural quotation read at various parts of the office, as after the last psalm in the service of lauds, prime, tierce, etc.
7. Horology. any of the marks or numerals designating the hours on a dial.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into or arrange in chapters.

chapter

/ ˈtʃæptə /

noun

1. a division of a written work, esp a narrative, usually titled or numbered
2. a sequence of events having a common attribute

   a chapter of disasters

3. chapter of accidents
   1. a series of misfortunes
   2. the unforeseeable course of events
4. an episode or period in a life, history, etc
5. a numbered reference to that part of a Parliamentary session which relates to a specified Act of Parliament
6. a branch of some societies, clubs, etc, esp of a secret society
7. the collective body or a meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a monastic or knightly order capitular
8. a general assembly of some organization
9. chapter and verse
   exact authority for an action or statement

verb

1. tr to divide into chapters

Other Words From

• chapter·al adjective
• un·chapter verb (used with object)
• un·chaptered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapter¹

1175–1225; Middle English chapiter, variant of chapitre < Old French < Latin capitulum little head ( capit-, stem of caput head + -ulum -ule ); in Late Latin: section of a book; in Medieval Latin: section read at a meeting, hence, the meeting, especially one of canons, hence, a body of canons

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapter¹

C13: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum, literally: little head, hence, section of writing, from caput head; in Medieval Latin: chapter of scripture or of a religious rule, a gathering for the reading of this, hence, assemblage of clergy

Example Sentences

"The game starts now," is how Ms Forestier describes the start of this momentous new chapter marked by an explosion of celebration in the streets, but also critical questions about what emerges next.

From BBC

Representatives of the Long Beach chapter of Black Lives Matter Grassroots did not immediately provide comment on the footage.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he says there is much to look forward to as he embarks on a new chapter with the Scuderia.

From BBC

How did playing her shape or change your outlook in terms of what you feel like you’re capable of overcoming or what you want out of this next chapter for yourself?

From Los Angeles Times

She noted how the 233-year-old Sunday newspaper "holds a unique and important place in public life and our members care about the next chapter in its history".

From BBC

Related Words

• affiliate
• branch
• division
• episode
• member
• phase
• stage
• unit