# section

/ˈsɛkʃən/ (US) · /sˈɛkʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a part of a whole

noun · CEFR A2

one of the parts that something is divided into.

For teachers: a distinct part or subdivision of a larger object, entity, or concept.

- The library has a large section dedicated to local history and old maps.
- The residential section of the city has seen significant investment in public parks and cycling infrastructure over the last decade.

### 2. part of a document

noun · CEFR B1 · Academic · Formal

a specific part of a book, report, or legal document.

For teachers: a distinct, often numbered or titled, portion of a written work or legal statute.

- Please read the first section of the contract before you sign it.
- Under section four of the new legislation, small businesses are eligible for a significant reduction in annual licensing fees.

### 3. a cross-section view

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a drawing that shows what the inside of something looks like if you cut through it.

For teachers: a representation of an object as it would appear if cut through by an intersecting plane.

- The diagram shows a section of the human heart to explain how blood flows.
- The geological section revealed several distinct layers of sedimentary rock, providing a clear timeline of the region's environmental shifts.

### 4. orchestra group

noun · CEFR B1

a group of similar instruments in an orchestra.

For teachers: a group of players in an orchestra or band who play the same family of instruments.

- The brass section was very loud during the final part of the symphony.
- The conductor asked the string section to play with more delicacy during the second movement to allow the woodwinds to be heard.

### 5. military unit

noun · CEFR B2

a small group of soldiers that is part of a larger team.

For teachers: a small tactical military unit, typically consisting of ten to fifteen soldiers.

- The sergeant led his section through the forest during the training exercise.
- The infantry section was tasked with securing the bridgehead until the rest of the platoon could arrive with heavy equipment.

### 6. to divide into parts

verb · CEFR B2

to cut or divide something into smaller pieces.

For teachers: to divide or separate something into distinct parts or segments.

- The chef sectioned the orange before adding it to the salad.
- The land was sectioned into smaller plots to be sold to individual developers for the new housing project.

### 7. medical commitment

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

to officially send someone to a mental hospital because they are not safe.

For teachers: to compulsorily admit a person to a psychiatric hospital under a specific legal act.

- The doctor decided to section the patient for their own safety.
- After a thorough psychiatric evaluation, the authorities determined it was necessary to section the individual under the Mental Health Act.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'to be sectioned'.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific legal and medical term in the UK; in the US, people might say 'involuntarily committed' instead.

## Examples

- I am reading the sports section of the newspaper.
- The library has a quiet study section located on the third floor for students preparing for exams.
- The legal team carefully reviewed every section of the contract to ensure that the liability clauses were clearly defined and enforceable.

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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.