# chapter

/ˈtʃæptɝ/ (US) · /tʃˈæptɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chapter
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. section of a book

noun · CEFR B1

one of the main parts that a book is divided into.

For teachers: a main division of a written work, typically numbered or titled.

- I just finished the third chapter of the novel and it is getting very exciting.
- The author concludes each chapter with a summary of the key arguments to ensure the reader follows the complex theoretical framework.

### 2. local branch of a club

noun · CEFR B2

a local group that belongs to a larger national or international organisation.

For teachers: a local branch or division of a larger society, fraternity, or professional organisation.

- The local chapter of the charity raised five thousand dollars for the new hospital.
- As the president of the university's alumni chapter, she was responsible for coordinating the annual networking gala in London.

### 3. period of time

noun · CEFR B2

a specific period of time in history or in a person's life.

For teachers: a distinct period or sequence of events in history or a personal narrative.

- Moving to a new city felt like starting a whole new chapter in my life.
- The signing of the peace treaty marked the end of a dark chapter in the nation's history and the beginning of reconstruction.

### 4. religious body

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a group of people who run a cathedral or a religious order.

For teachers: a body of clergy belonging to a cathedral or collegiate church, or the members of a religious order.

- The cathedral chapter met to discuss the repairs needed for the ancient roof.
- The dean and the chapter reached a consensus regarding the liturgical changes proposed for the upcoming advent season.

### 5. to remove from service

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

to officially remove someone from the military because of a problem.

For teachers: to initiate administrative proceedings to discharge a member from military service.

- The army decided to chapter him after he failed several fitness tests.
- The command team had to decide whether to chapter the soldier for repeated misconduct or offer one final chance at rehabilitation.

Usage: The verb is transitive and usually refers to an involuntary administrative discharge.

## Examples

- I am reading the third chapter of the book now.
- The final chapter of the biography focuses on the author's later years and her move to the countryside.
- While the treaty marked the end of the war, it also opened a difficult new chapter in the region's history as the population struggled to rebuild.

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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.