# Chambers

/ˈtʃeɪmbɝz/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪmbəz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chambers
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a judge's office

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Typically used as a plural noun; frequently appears in the prepositional phrase 'in chambers'.

### 2. barristers' office

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often referred to as a 'set of chambers'.

### 3. private rooms

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Archaic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. plural of chamber

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The judge invited the lawyers into her chambers to discuss the case.
- After the hearing, the legal team returned to their chambers to prepare the final documents for the morning.
- The judge ruled that the sensitive testimony regarding the minor's identity should be heard in chambers rather than in open court to protect the family's privacy.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.