chapter
CHAP-tuh
Chapter (noun) means one of the main divisions of a book or other written work. Example: “She stayed up late to finish the last chapter of the novel.”
noun
1
One of the main divisions of a book or other written work.
"She stayed up late to finish the last chapter of the novel."
"Chapter three covers the causes of the war."
"I always read one chapter before I turn off the light."
2
A local branch of a larger organisation, club, or society.
"He joined the local chapter of the charity as a volunteer."
"The university chapter of the society meets every Thursday evening."
"Our chapter organises a beach clean-up each spring."
3
A distinct period or stage in someone's life or in a story of events.
"Moving abroad felt like starting a new chapter in her life."
"Retirement opened an exciting new chapter for my grandparents."
"That difficult chapter of his childhood taught him to be resilient."
How to use chapter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA section of a book, or, more broadly, a distinct stage in a story or a local branch of an organisation.
Common pairings
open a new chapter
the final chapter
local chapter
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Word forms
- Plural
- chapters
- Third person singular
- chapters
- Past tense
- chaptered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She stayed up late to finish the last _____ of the novel.
Etymology
From Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum ("a chapter of a book"), a diminutive of caput ("head") — the same root as "capital".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “chapter” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “chapter”?
“Chapter” is pronounced CHAP-tuh (/ˈt͡ʃæptɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “chapter” in a sentence?
Here is “chapter” used in a sentence: “She stayed up late to finish the last chapter of the novel.”
What is another word for “chapter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chapter” include ch., chap. and chpt..
What part of speech is “chapter”?
“Chapter” is a noun.
Where does the word “chapter” come from?
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".
Is “chapter” a common word?
“Chapter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “chapter” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a chapter and a section?
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.
How long is a typical chapter?
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.
What are the other meanings of 'chapter'?
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.
Why are books divided into chapters?
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.
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