consigliere

American  

[kawn-see-lye-re] / ˌkɔn siˈlyɛ rɛ /

noun

Italian.

plural

consiglieri

1. a member of a criminal organization or syndicate who serves as an adviser to the leader.

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consigliere British  

/ ˌkɒnsɪglɪˈɛərɪ /

noun

1. a trusted adviser, esp in a criminal organization

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Etymology

Origin of consigliere

Italian, from Latin consiliārius , from consilium advice

Explanation

In the mafia, a consigliere is a trusted confidant. You can also use the word to describe someone you can count on to keep your secrets and give really good advice. If your best friend is incredibly wise and loyal, she's your consigliere — your advisor and counselor. In organized crime, a consigliere functions the same way, as a trusted, high-ranking member of the crime family. A mafia boss relies on his consigliere the way you rely on your BFF. Consigliere is an Italian word meaning "advisor," from the Latin root consilium, "advice."

Example Sentences

Stylists are the consigliere, the therapist and the trusted right hand of any Oscar nominee.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Wasserman has faced pressure to leave his music agency following revelations of emails with now-convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, the consigliere of the late Jeffrey Epstein.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Some say that it’s because her consigliere, Corey Lewandowski, who rarely leaves her side and is said to be operating as co-secretary, has alienated everyone in the White House.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2025

Munger became Buffett’s consigliere and sounding board, pushing Buffett to loosen his investment parameters beyond bargain investments to buy high-quality companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Actor Jerry Adler, best known for playing consigliere Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in The Sopranos, has died aged 96.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025