consultation

noun

con·​sul·​ta·​tion ˌkän(t)-səl-ˈtā-shən 

1

: council, conference

specifically : a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment

Her doctor called in a heart specialist for consultation.

2

: the act of consulting or conferring

met with his physician for regular consultation and examination

Synonyms

• argument
• argumentation
• argy-bargy [chiefly British]
• back-and-forth
• colloquy
• confab
• confabulation
• conference
• consult
• council
• counsel
• debate
• deliberation
• dialogue
• dialog
• discussion
• give-and-take
• palaver
• parley
• talk

Examples of consultation in a Sentence

Many accountants offer a free consultation before charging for their work.

After a series of consultations with doctors, a date for the operation was set.

The group had a series of consultations with members of Congress.

The town decided to close the park without any consultation with town residents.

After consultation with the judge, lawyers decided to drop the case.

Consultation of city records confirms that she lived there in the 1950s.

Several dictionaries are available for consultation.

a quick consultation of the city records

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2024, ticket sales for the band Oasis' reunion tour led to widespread controversy, leaving thousands of fans infuriated and sparking a government consultation in the United Kingdom. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025

Wendy Davis was called for a foul on the last play of the game but after a consultation between the two officials – one of whom was Kantner – Kantner called off the foul and the game was over. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025

Since Charles’ diagnosis, it’s understood that his diary has been developed in full consultation with his medical team to protect and prioritize his recovery. —Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025

These authorities, primarily rooted in Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), provide the executive wide latitude to impose tariffs with minimal consultation or oversight. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see consult entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consultation

• in consultation with

Rhymes for consultation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

consultation

noun

con·​sul·​ta·​tion ˌkän(t)-səl-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a discussion between doctors on a case or its treatment

2

: the act of consulting

Medical Definition

consultation

noun

con·​sul·​ta·​tion ˌkän(t)-səl-ˈtā-shən 

: a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment