# council

/ˈkaʊnsəɫ/ (US) · /kˈaʊnsəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/council
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. an advisory group

noun · CEFR B2

a group of people who meet to discuss specific topics or give expert advice.

For teachers: an appointed or elected body of people organized to provide consultation, deliberation, or policy recommendations.

- The school council met to discuss new rules for the playground.
- The research council provides strategic oversight for scientific funding across the various university departments.

### 3. church assembly

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a formal meeting of church leaders to decide on religious rules or beliefs.

For teachers: an ecclesiastical assembly of bishops and other leaders convened to settle matters of doctrine or discipline.

- The historic council changed several important traditions in the church.
- The Second Vatican Council introduced significant reforms intended to modernize the relationship between the Church and the contemporary world.

## Examples

- The city council voted to build a new park.
- The local council is responsible for waste collection and maintaining the public libraries in this district.
- After months of public debate, the council reached a consensus on the zoning regulations that would govern the development of the historic waterfront district.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.