student council: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A student council is typically found in primary and secondary schools, focusing on representation and events. A student union is generally at the university level, is often larger, may own property (e.g., a bar), and provides services and advocacy.

It depends on the school's rules. In many places, first-year students (e.g., Year 7, freshman year) can be representatives, but executive positions like president may be reserved for older students.

It is usually treated as a singular collective noun (e.g., 'The student council decides'). In British English, it can sometimes take a plural verb when referring to the members acting individually (e.g., 'The student council are divided').

No, it is not universal. While very common in the US and widespread in the UK, some schools may have different systems of student representation or none at all.

An elected group of students in a school or university who represent their peers, organize activities, and address student concerns.

Student council is usually formal within educational contexts; informal in casual speech. in register.

Student council: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstjuːd(ə)nt ˈkaʊns(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstuːd(ə)nt ˈkaʊns(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.