A council is a group of people who meet to discuss important matters, make decisions, or give advice. When your town has a city council, elected members gather regularly to decide things like where to build new parks or how to spend the community's money. A student council at school might organize spirit weeks, plan dances, or represent students' concerns to teachers and administrators.

Throughout history, kings and queens relied on councils of advisors to help them rule wisely. Today, councils exist at every level: the United Nations Security Council makes decisions about international conflicts, while a neighborhood council might simply decide when to hold the annual block party.

Notice that council members usually have equal voices, unlike a single boss giving orders. A council works by discussion, debate, and often voting. The Boy Scouts have an Order of the Arrow council, churches have parish councils, and many professions have licensing councils that set standards for doctors, lawyers, or engineers.

Don't confuse council with counsel, which means advice or the act of giving advice. You might seek counsel from a trusted friend, but you'd serve on a council with other members.