chapter

The word “chapter” means one of the main divisions of a book or other written work. In plain terms, a section of a book, or, more broadly, a distinct stage in a story or a local branch of an organisation.

“Chapter” is pronounced CHAP-tuh (/ˈt͡ʃæptɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “chapter” used in a sentence: “She stayed up late to finish the last chapter of the novel.”

Words with a similar meaning to “chapter” include ch., chap. and chpt..

“Chapter” is a noun.

The word “chapter” comes from Latin. From Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum ("a chapter of a book"), a diminutive of caput ("head") — the same root as "capital".

“Chapter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Chapter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the main divisions of a book or other written work.

A chapter is a main division of a book, usually numbered or titled and covering a distinct stage of the story or argument. A section is smaller — a subdivision within a chapter, or a grouping used in reports and documents. Chapters organise the whole; sections organise the parts.

There is no fixed rule. Many novel chapters run between 2,000 and 5,000 words, but some are a single page and others span dozens. Writers usually end a chapter where the pacing calls for a natural pause, so length follows the story rather than a set count.

Besides a book division, 'chapter' can mean a distinct period in life or history, as in 'a new chapter'. It also names a local branch of a larger society, club, or organisation. Both senses borrow the idea of one self-contained part within a bigger whole.

Chapters give a book structure and rhythm. They break a long text into manageable stages, mark shifts in time, place, or viewpoint, and offer readers natural stopping points. This pacing helps writers control tension and makes a lengthy work far easier to follow and return to.