Bestever Vegetable Chowder

I am unsure what turns soup into a chowder. Is it the addition of milk maybe ??  I prefer my soup to be dairy free except for maybe  a yummy dollop of cheese on top. This vegie chowder was made with stock and was dense and hearty with beans and broccolini and diced potato plus a smidge of diced bacon. Dinner tonight was this fabulous bowl of goodness.