C1nounformal10K+

Councillor

UK /["/ˈkaʊnsələ(r)/"]/US /["/ˈkaʊnsələr/"]/

Definition

a member of a city or county council

In simple words: A person who is a member of a council and helps make decisions for a community.

Examples

  • Councillor Ann Jones
  • Talk to your local councillor about the problem.
  • He is the area's only Green county councillor.
  • She served as a Conservative councillor for Harwich for many years.
  • Talk to your city councillor about the problem.

Usage notes

Used in political or local government contexts. Not appropriate in casual conversation. Typically used when discussing local governance or community issues.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think 'council +or' — the 'or' means they are part of a council.

Collocations

  • borough
  • city
  • county
  • elect somebody (as)

Synonyms

  • council member
  • local representative
  • board member

Antonyms

  • constituent
  • citizen
  • resident
  • elector

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'counselor', which refers to someone who gives advice.
  • Using 'councillor' in informal settings, which can sound out of place.
  • Mispronouncing the word, leading to misunderstandings.