English Reference

Word

chambers

Phoneticscham·bers, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈtʃeɪmbɝz/

UK/tʃˈeɪmbəz/

Definitions

01a judge's office

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Law Formal

n. the private office of a judge where they hear cases that do not need to be in a public courtroom.

n. a judge's private office used for conducting business or hearing cases not requiring a public court session. Often used in the phrase 'in chambers'.

“The judge met with both lawyers in chambers to discuss the private evidence.”

“The motion was heard in chambers to protect the identity of the minor involved in the proceedings.”

Synonyms

02barristers' office

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Law British English · Formal

n. the office used by a group of lawyers, especially in the UK.

n. the professional offices occupied by one or more barristers. Historically associated with the Inns of Court in London.

“He joined a prestigious set of chambers in London after finishing his law degree.”

“The senior clerk managed the daily operations of the chambers, ensuring that each barrister's schedule was efficiently coordinated.”

Synonyms

03private rooms

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Literary · Archaic

n. a set of rooms in a large building used for living or working.

n. a suite of rooms, typically within a larger building, used for residential or administrative purposes.

“The old professor lived in a dusty set of chambers at the top of the college tower.”

“The protagonist retired to his chambers, seeking solace from the chaotic festivities occurring in the ballroom below.”

04plural of chamber

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. more than one room or enclosed space, like the parts of a heart or a gun.

n. the plural form of chamber, referring to multiple enclosed spaces or compartments.

“The human heart has four chambers that pump blood through the body.”

“The technician carefully inspected the various chambers of the engine to ensure no debris had accumulated during the test run.”

Usage

Often used in the plural ('chambers') even when referring to a single professional suite or office.

Domain

Law

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference