console

1 of 2

noun

con·​sole ˈkän-ˌsōl 

1

: an architectural member projecting from a wall to form a bracket or from a keystone for ornament

2

: console table

3

a

: an upright case that houses the keyboards and controlling mechanisms of an organ and from which the organ is played

b

: a combination of readouts or displays and an input device (such as a keyboard or switches) by which an operator can monitor and interact with a system (such as a computer or dubber)

4

a

: a cabinet (as for a radio or television set) designed to rest directly on the floor

b

: a small storage cabinet between bucket seats in an automobile

5

: an electronic system that connects to a display (such as a television set) and is used primarily to play video games

console

2 of 2

verb

con·​sole kən-ˈsōl 

consoled; consoling

transitive verb

: to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of : comfort

console a widow

I consoled myself with the thought that things could be much worse.

consoler noun

plural consolers

He was a tactful consoler and capable of great generosity to people in trouble.

—Ferdinand Mount

consolingly

kən-ˈsō-liŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• buffet
• cabinet
• closet
• cupboard
• hutch
• locker
• press
• sideboard

Verb

• assure
• cheer
• comfort
• reassure
• solace
• soothe

Examples of console in a Sentence

Noun

a custom-built walnut console holds all of their home-theater components

Verb

Nothing could console her after his death.

the military officer who must console the bereaved at a soldier's funeral

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are also more-than-adequate storage spaces in the large center console annd all four doors. CHANGE: The ride quality The ride quality is a little harsher in the Sorento than in some of its competitors, especially with the 20-inch wheels and lower profile tires the tester came equipped with. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

This is also where M Competition drivers can customize their drive experience using the drive mode selector, which can also be quick-accessed via the setup button on the center console; assign your settings to one of the two red tabs on the steering wheel to instantly recall your mode. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

After the scene, Marlon didn’t console me or apologize. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Dole consoled Norm Macdonald, who played the Kansas senator. —CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

Verb

French consoler, from Latin consolari, from com- + solari to console

First Known Use

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1673, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing console

• console table

Kids Definition

console

1 of 2 noun

con·​sole ˈkän-ˌsōl 

1

a

: the part of an organ at which the organist sits and which contains the keyboard and controls

b

: a panel or cabinet with dials and switches for controlling an electronic or mechanical device

2

: a cabinet (as for a phonograph or television set) that stands on the floor

3

: an electronic system that connects to a display (as a TV set) and is used to play video games

console

2 of 2 verb

con·​sole kən-ˈsōl 

consoled; consoling

: to comfort in times of grief, distress, or suffering