counselor

especially British, coun·sel·lor

[koun-suh-ler]

noun

1. a person who counsels; adviser.

2. a faculty member who advises students on personal and academic problems, career choices, and the like.

3. an assistant at a children's camp, often a high school or college student, who supervises a group of children or directs a particular activity, as nature study or a sport.

4. a lawyer, especially a trial lawyer; counselor-at-law.

   Synonyms: advocate, counsel, barrister, solicitor, attorney

5. an official of an embassy or legation who ranks below an ambassador or minister.

Other Word Forms

• counselorship noun
• precounsellor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of counselor¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English counseiler, counseillour, from Anglo-French cunseiler, cunseiliour, Old French conseilleor, conseillier; counsel, -eur, -er ², -or ²

Example Sentences

But he can also be as calm and understanding as a high school counselor, making him a good fit for one of the youngest rosters in the major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

The Burning Man Project, the nonprofit that organizes the festival, said in a statement on its website that it was cooperating with law enforcement and that peer support counselors were available on the grounds.

From Los Angeles Times

The number of counselors spiked upward even as student enrollment went in the other direction.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s accompanied by a screenshot of the oft-misguided former school counselor Mackey looking out of sorts in a face mask and ICE vest.

From Los Angeles Times

The key to turning around poor attendance is getting to know the family and how they need to be helped, said Dora Casillas, the attendance counselor at Sheridan Elementary.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocate 
• instructor 
• mentor 
• teacher