counsellor

British  

/ ˈkaʊnsələ /

noun

1. a person who gives counsel; adviser

2. a person, such as a social worker, who is involved in counselling

3. Also called: counselor-at-law.  a lawyer, esp one who conducts cases in court; attorney

4. a senior British diplomatic officer

5. a US diplomatic officer ranking just below an ambassador or minister

6. a person who advises students or others on personal problems or academic and occupational choice

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Commonly Confused

See councillor

Other Word Forms

• counsellorship noun

Example Sentences

"I was always told it was confidential between the counsellor and the person they are talking to," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

She said: "I would support legislation to remove Andrew from the line of succession and to remove from the counsellor of state."

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Whoever thought we'd read that sentence when the man in question is still in the line of succession to the throne, and in theory, if not in practice, remains a counsellor of state?

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

It was an NHS counsellor who suggested this could be loneliness.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Two minutes before the buzzer sounds to set us free at the end of the day, the loudspeaker orders me to see the counsellor, Ms. Rostoff, in the conference room.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• chief
• commander
• director
• head
• manager
• officer
• ruler