chapter and verse

noun

1

: the exact reference or source of information or justification for an assertion

… clinched their arguments by citing chapter and verse.

—James MacGregor Burns

2

: full precise information or detail

… can give chapter and verse on the effects of diverting defense spending …

—Horace Sutton

chapter and verse adverb

Examples of chapter and verse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Able to cite chapter and verse from the Mayo Clinic reference guide and deeply research any disease, Sarah is also an ace at hands-on treatment. — Allan Ripp, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Former Angels executives, however, can recite chapter and verse the difficulty of pleasing Moreno. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Three Giants pitchers – Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker – wore the cap with a Bible chapter and verse written alongside the logo at the team’s June 12 game against the Chicago Cubs. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 19 June 2026

The students are well prepared, and quote chapter and verse from the Founding Fathers, as well as key events in American history. — Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chapter and verse

• monodisperse
• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse