chapter

noun

chap·​ter ˈchap-tər How to pronounce chapter (audio)
Synonyms of chapternext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Khoslas are entering a new chapter for the franchise after nearly three decades under the Allen family — bringing a similar tech and business legacy, but a very different personal history. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Prince William and Kate Middleton's increasingly affectionate public appearances have caught royal watchers' attention, with experts saying the couple are entering a happier, more relaxed chapter following a difficult few years. — Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 The increasingly personal attacks mark the latest chapter in a contentious Republican primary. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026 This marks another unusual chapter for Beltran with the Mets; he was previously hired as manager in 2019 but stepped down before managing a game due to the Astros sign-stealing scandal. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chapter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chapter was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing chapter

Rhymes for chapter

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Browse Nearby Words

chaptalize
chapter
Chapter 11
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Cite this Entry

“Chapter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chapter. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chapter

noun
chap·​ter ˈchap-tər How to pronounce chapter (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on chapter

Nglish: Translation of chapter for Spanish Speakers

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