coun·cil
ˈkau̇n(t)-səl 
1
: an assembly or meeting for consultation, advice, or discussion
the Second Vatican Council
2
: a group elected or appointed as an advisory or legislative body
a governor's council
a city council
3
a
: a usually administrative body
a council on housing
b
: an executive body whose members are equal in power and authority
c
: a governing body of delegates from local units of a federation
4
: deliberation in a council
1
: used for councils especially by or with North American Indians
a council ground
2
British
: built, maintained, or operated by a local governing agency
council housing
council flats
Synonyms
Examples of council in a Sentence
Noun
The city council is considering a ban on smoking in restaurants.
the governor's council on physical fitness
Recent Examples on the Web
Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024
Although several Anaheim residents attended the meeting to express their concerns over the now imminent expansion, all seven council members voted in favor of moving forward with the expansion plan.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for council 
Noun
The vote to bring a lawsuit Following a lengthy closed session Tuesday night, the council reconvened just before 11 p.m. and voted unanimously to direct legal counsel to file a summons and complaint in court on Wednesday, May 8.
—Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024
Although several Anaheim residents attended the meeting to express their concerns over the now imminent expansion, all seven council members voted in favor of moving forward with the expansion plan.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for council
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'council.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Council.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/council. Accessed 10 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
council
noun
coun·cil
ˈkau̇n-səl
: a governmental body: as
a
: a group elected as a legislative body
city council
b
: an administrative body
council on aging
c
: an executive body whose members are equal in power and authority compare committee sense 2b
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