chambers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “chambers” mean?
A room or set of rooms, especially one used for a specific purpose (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A room or set of rooms, especially one used for a specific purpose (e.g., private, judicial, legislative).
A judge's private office; the rooms used by barristers for professional work; the rooms where a legislative body meets; a specialized cavity or compartment in the body or an organism; an enclosed space in a gun or machine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, 'chambers' strongly associates with barristers' offices. In US, 'chambers' strongly refers to a judge's private office. 'Chamber of Commerce' is common in both. 'Chamber music' is identical.
Connotations
UK: legal profession, elitism (Bar). US: judicial authority, privacy. Both: formality, officialdom.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK in legal contexts ('pupillage in chambers'). In US, common in judicial contexts ('judge's chambers').
Grammar
How to Use “chambers” in a Sentence
in + chambers (He works in chambers.)the + chamber + of + N (the chamber of the heart)chamber + for + N (a chamber for deliberation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chambers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gun was chambered for a larger round.
American English
- He chambered a new cartridge.
adjective
British English
- She is a chamber musician of great renown.
American English
- The senator gave a chamber address.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Chamber of Commerce: a local network of businesses.
Academic
The chamber where the senate convened; the chamber of a nautilus shell.
Everyday
A wedding ceremony in a small chamber; the chamber of a revolver.
Technical
Combustion chamber in an engine; reaction chamber in a lab.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chambers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chambers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chambers”
- Using 'chambers' as a singular countable noun incorrectly (*'a chambers'). Correct: 'a set of chambers' or 'his chambers'.
- Confusing 'in chambers' (private) with 'in court' (public).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural in form but can refer to a single suite of rooms (e.g., 'Her chambers are on the third floor').
'Court' is the public courtroom. 'Chambers' are the private offices of a judge or barristers.
Historically, yes ('bedchamber'), but in modern English it sounds archaic or poetic. 'Bedroom' is standard.
A local association of businesspeople designed to promote and protect the interests of its members.
A room or set of rooms, especially one used for a specific purpose (e.
Chambers is usually formal / technical in register.
Chambers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeɪmbəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃeɪmbərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In camera”
- “Smoke-filled room”
- “Back chamber dealings”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHAMBER sounds like 'CHAM' + 'BER' – think of a CHAMpagne toast in a fancy BURgundy-coloured room.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHAMBER IS A CONTAINER FOR SECRETS/POWER (e.g., 'inner chambers of government', 'chamber of secrets').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chambers' most likely to be used in the UK?