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

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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.
With a wedding ahead and a new chapter within reach, the young woman is holding onto her vision for a future of freedom and peace. — Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 But cartoon lookalikes aside, the creature may help rewrite one of the earliest chapters in animal evolution. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 In the 1970s, Gucci renamed one of their bag styles the Jackie 1961, after the former first lady was photographed with her signature accessory so many times. Streamlined and practical, Kennedy Onassis’ post-White House style ushered in a new chapter for the former first lady’s wardrobe. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025 Previously, nominations in BAFTA’s international TV category were decided through a hybrid process, with chapter members shortlisting titles and a select jury determining the final nominees. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025 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 13 Aug. 2025.

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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

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