1. A person or those who professionally provide expert advice: After Carol's husband died leaving her with a great deal of money and bills to be paid, she hired a consultant to work out the best process for taking care of her financial situation.
2. Someone who acts as an advisor to users of computers or to the technical staff: In some businesses, there are consultants who are available for all aspects of the computer industry, including electronic circuit designing, information systems analysis, and for software development for companies or for individuals.