counseling

noun

coun·​sel·​ing ˈkau̇n(t)-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce counseling (audio)
variants or counselling
Synonyms of counseling
: professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes
career counseling for high schoolers
counseling for drug addicts

Examples of counseling in a Sentence

She is receiving counseling to cope with the death of her husband. The college offers career counseling.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weiner has 17 years of education experience, having served as a classroom teacher, academic dean, director of college counseling and admissions leader. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 The collaboration fit with the organization’s larger programming, a holistic approach to interrupting violence that spans anything from conflict resolution and counseling to job training, according to Javon Grimes, a life coach at CRED. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 The school board said that counselors would be made available to support students, staff, and families in the high school’s counseling center. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 The school district said that counseling and support will be available for grieving students and staff members. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counseling

Word History

Etymology

see counsel entry 1

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counseling was in 1927

Phrases Containing counseling

Browse Nearby Words

counselee
counseling
counsellor seal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counseling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counseling. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

counseling

noun
coun·​sel·​ing
: professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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