Chapter has multiple meanings. In general, the word connotates a division or separation of some type.

• A chapter is one of the main divisions of a piece of writing of relative length, such as a book.
• A chapter is also distinct period of time or order of events, as in history or in a person's life. For example, the American Civil War could be called a chapter in American history, just as the years a person spent in college could be called a chapter in his or her life. See also: Periodization
• A chapter is a local branch of an organization, such as a charity or service organization, club, fraternity or sorority, or alumni group. For example, the Sierra Club, a North American environmental protection organization, maintains more than 60 chapters across the United States.
• Chapters is a large bookstore chain in Canada.