chapter head: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, literary, organizational
Quick answer
What does “chapter head” mean?
A brief title or heading introducing a chapter in a book or document.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brief title or heading introducing a chapter in a book or document.
A leader or chief officer of a chapter, especially in religious, fraternal, or academic organizations; can metaphorically refer to the beginning or principal part of a phase or period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core typographical meaning. The organizational title is equally used in contexts like the 'chapter head of the local Rotary club' in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary connotation in everyday use.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual conversation; higher in writing, publishing, and organizational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chapter head” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] chapter head introduced the theme.She was elected chapter head of the sorority.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used in formal report structuring.
Academic
Common in thesis/dissertation formatting and scholarly books.
Everyday
Low. Mostly used when discussing books or documents.
Technical
Specific to publishing, typography, and desktop publishing (DTP).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chapter head”
- Using 'chapter headline' (more for articles).
- Confusing with 'chapter opener' (which can include decorative art).
- Using 'chapter head' to mean the top of a page in general (instead of 'running head').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'chapter head' or 'chapter heading' is the specific title of a chapter, appearing only at its beginning. A 'running head' (or 'header') is a repeating line, often containing the book title or chapter title, that appears at the top of most pages.
Yes, but this is a specific, secondary meaning. It refers to the presiding officer of a chapter of an organization, such as a religious order (e.g., a dean of a cathedral chapter), a fraternity, or a society.
A 'chapter head' is the main title of the entire chapter. 'Subheads' or 'subheadings' are titles for sections *within* the chapter, breaking the content into smaller parts.
It's a B2-level term. Learners encounter it when reading longer texts or studying formatting. The organizational meaning is less common and more specific.
A brief title or heading introducing a chapter in a book or document.
Chapter head is usually formal, literary, organizational in register.
Chapter head: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæptə hɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæptər hɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A new chapter head in one's life (metaphorical for a new beginning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEAD that leads the body of the CHAPTER.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNINGS ARE HEADS (as the head starts the body, a chapter head starts the chapter).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chapter head' LEAST likely to be used?