Standard Lemma guide

chapbook

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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noun

Meaning 1

A small book, usually made from a single sheet, folded several times, containing poems, ballads or religious tracts.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

1849 Notices of Fugitive Tracts: And Chap-books Printed at Aldermary Churchyard, Bow Churchyard, Etc This was, till within the last few years, a favourite chapbook in the north of England.
2005 Kathryn A. Lowry - The Tapestry of Popular Songs in 16th- and 17th Century China Two such examples of slim, chapbook-style collections were both part of larger compendia [...]

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Formerly sold by chapmen; see the etymology there, and book.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

Finnish: chapbook — small book
French: livret de colportage — small book
Polish: książeczka liryczna — small book
Portuguese: folheto — small book
Portuguese: panfleto — small book
Portuguese: livro de cordel — small book

Word forms

Inflections and variants

chapbooks — plural

Word family

Derived and related words

Derived: none provided

Related: none provided

Semantic map

Other relationships

Sources

Where this information comes from

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Real reading context

Examples

Meaning relationships

chapbook in complete knowledge articles