chapter

noun

chap·​ter ˈchap-tər 

1

a

: a main division of a book

b

: something resembling a chapter in being a significant specified unit

a new chapter in my life

2

a

: a regular meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a religious house

b

: the body of canons of a cathedral or collegiate church

3

: a local branch of an organization

Synonyms of chapter

• affiliate
• cell

Examples of chapter in a Sentence

Chapter three deals with the country's economy.

Please read the first two chapters of your textbook for our next class.

Becoming a parent opened up a whole new chapter in my life.

a difficult chapter in European history

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the night, sentimental videos from different chapters of Jackson's career played on the screens by the stage, along with messages from stars not in attendance like country singers Keith Urban, Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney as well as NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. — Bryan West, USA Today, 28 June 2026

And the best story at the 2026 World Cup will add another chapter as Algeria continues to train in Lawrence. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026

Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

With the next chapter in Alex and Prince Harry’s love story approaching, Red, White & Royal Wedding is starting to heat up. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chapitre, from Anglo-French chapitre, chapitle, from Late Latin capitulum division of a book & Medieval Latin, meeting place of canons, from Latin, diminutive of capit-, caput head — more at head

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing chapter

• a chapter of accidents
• chapter and verse
• sub-chapter

Rhymes for chapter

• apter
• captor
• raptor
• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter

Kids Definition

chapter

noun

chap·​ter ˈchap-tər 

1

a

: a main division of a book or of a law code

b

: something like a chapter in being a significant unit

a chapter in my life

2

: a local branch of an organization