console

1 of 2

noun

con·​sole ˈkän-ˌsōl 

1

: an architectural member projecting from a wall to form a bracket or from a keystone for ornament

2

: console table

3

a

: an upright case that houses the keyboards and controlling mechanisms of an organ and from which the organ is played

b

: a combination of readouts or displays and an input device (such as a keyboard or switches) by which an operator can monitor and interact with a system (such as a computer or dubber)

4

a

: a cabinet (as for a radio or television set) designed to rest directly on the floor

b

: a small storage cabinet between bucket seats in an automobile

5

: an electronic system that connects to a display (such as a television set) and is used primarily to play video games

console

2 of 2

verb

con·​sole kən-ˈsōl 

consoled; consoling

transitive verb

: to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of : comfort

console a widow

I consoled myself with the thought that things could be much worse.

consoler noun

plural consolers

He was a tactful consoler and capable of great generosity to people in trouble.

—Ferdinand Mount

consolingly

kən-ˈsō-liŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of console

Noun

• cabinet
• cupboard
• locker
• closet
• dresser

Verb

• comfort
• reassure
• assure
• soothe

Examples of console in a Sentence

Noun

a custom-built walnut console holds all of their home-theater components

Verb

Nothing could console her after his death.

the military officer who must console the bereaved at a soldier's funeral

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, the law does carve out exemptions for motor vehicles, farm equipment, heavy equipment, medical devices, video-game consoles, large home appliances and certain cybersecurity products. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

The service is now available to PS5 users across the country through the console's Media hub. — Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

And when Keeley goes to console the team and apologize for the half-empty stadium, she’s effectively told not to worry about it. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

There were personalities and moments that consoled a grieving country. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

Verb

French consoler, from Latin consolari, from com- + solari to console

First Known Use

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1673, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing console

• console game
• console table

Kids Definition

console

1 of 2 noun

con·​sole ˈkän-ˌsōl 

1

a

: the part of an organ at which the organist sits and which contains the keyboard and controls

b

: a panel or cabinet with dials and switches for controlling an electronic or mechanical device

2

: a cabinet (as for a phonograph or television set) that stands on the floor

3

: an electronic system that connects to a display (as a TV set) and is used to play video games

console

2 of 2 verb

con·​sole kən-ˈsōl 

consoled; consoling

: to comfort in times of grief, distress, or suffering