counselor

noun

coun·​sel·​or ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər 

variants or counsellor

1

: a person who gives advice or counseling

a marriage counselor

2

: lawyer

specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court

The defendant conferred with his counselor.

3

: one who has supervisory duties at a summer camp

The counselor led the campers on a hike through the woods.

counselorship

ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of counselor

• adviser
• consultant

Examples of counselor in a Sentence

He works as a camp counselor.

a young couple going to a marriage counselor

Recent Examples on the Web

Attending the foundation’s upcoming mental health gathering is Flemister’s own counselor that Hongo believes can inspire others to join. —Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

At the age of 18 (an emotionally young 18), Ernaux is hired as a counselor in a summer camp, her first time away from home. —Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026

Board member Rebecca Thompson, whose background is in social work, said a consulting report last year recommended the district increase the number of ESE support staff, school welfare workers and counselors. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

Schools brought in counselors for the victims’ young classmates and neighbors grieved at a growing memorial. —Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing counselor

• counselor-at-law
• guidance counselor

Rhymes for counselor

• councillor
• councilor
• counsellor

Kids Definition

counselor

noun

coun·​sel·​or

variants or counsellor

ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər 

1

: a person who gives advice

guidance counselor

2

: lawyer

3

: a supervisor of campers or activities at a summer camp

Medical Definition

counselor

noun

coun·​sel·​or

variants or counsellor

ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)lər 

: a person engaged in counseling

Legal Definition

counselor

noun

coun·​se·​lor

ˈkau̇n-sə-lər

: counsel