chapter

[ chap-ter ]

noun

1. a main division of a book, treatise, or the like, usually bearing a number or title.
2. a branch, usually restricted to a given locality, of a society, organization, fraternity, etc.:

   the Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross.

3. an important portion or division of anything:

   The atomic bomb opened a new chapter in history.

   Synonyms: phase, period, episode, era

4. Ecclesiastical.
   1. an assembly of the monks in a monastery, of those in a province, or of the entire order.
   2. a general assembly of the canons of a church.
   3. a meeting of the elected representatives of the provinces or houses of a religious community.
   4. the body of such canons or representatives collectively.
5. any general assembly.
6. Liturgy. a short scriptural quotation read at various parts of the office, as after the last psalm in the service of lauds, prime, tierce, etc.
7. Horology. any of the marks or numerals designating the hours on a dial.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into or arrange in chapters.

chapter

/ ˈtʃæptə /

noun

1. a division of a written work, esp a narrative, usually titled or numbered
2. a sequence of events having a common attribute

   a chapter of disasters

3. chapter of accidents
   1. a series of misfortunes
   2. the unforeseeable course of events
4. an episode or period in a life, history, etc
5. a numbered reference to that part of a Parliamentary session which relates to a specified Act of Parliament
6. a branch of some societies, clubs, etc, esp of a secret society
7. the collective body or a meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a monastic or knightly order capitular
8. a general assembly of some organization
9. chapter and verse
   exact authority for an action or statement

verb

1. tr to divide into chapters

Other Words From

• chapter·al adjective
• un·chapter verb (used with object)
• un·chaptered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapter¹

1175–1225; Middle English chapiter, variant of chapitre < Old French < Latin capitulum little head ( capit-, stem of caput head + -ulum -ule ); in Late Latin: section of a book; in Medieval Latin: section read at a meeting, hence, the meeting, especially one of canons, hence, a body of canons

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapter¹

C13: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum, literally: little head, hence, section of writing, from caput head; in Medieval Latin: chapter of scripture or of a religious rule, a gathering for the reading of this, hence, assemblage of clergy

Example Sentences

I hope that this coming dark chapter will motivate good and decent people to build coalitions and do what they can to help individuals and communities in danger.

From Salon

And each chapter of his offending always ends the same way: Women fight back.

From BBC

Burgos, who was endorsed by a number of left-of-center groups, including the L.A. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, had been hoping to expand the bloc of “super-progressives” who have been pushing the council to the left.

From Los Angeles Times

“My heart is so full,” Jackson told the magazine, adding she is excited for a “new chapter in my life” personally and professionally.

From Los Angeles Times

Healy was likely referring to the fact that the organization One Fair Wage, which is based out of New York City but has a chapter in Massachusetts, pushed to get the measure on this year's ballot.

From Salon

Related Words

• affiliate
• branch
• division
• episode
• member
• phase
• stage
• unit