The Open Dictionary

count

noun

UK/kaʊnt/
US/kaʊnt/

Definitions of count noun

number

  1. C2Countable

    the act of counting, or the total number of things counted

    • After a quick count, I realized I had planted 25 different types of ferns.

    • The current employee count is approximately 31,500.

    • According to the latest count, we have 450 members.

  2. Countable

    the act of counting the votes in an election, or the event when this happens

    • Initial counts indicate Mr. Adams is in the lead.

    • The candidate’s spouse and election representatives are also allowed to be present during the count.

    • He lost by a 3% margin of votes and has contested the count in court.

  3. Countable

    a scientifically measured amount of something

    • a high count of pollen

    • a low count of blood cells/sperm

    • The lab performed a cell count.

rank

  1. Countable

    a European man of the same social rank as an English earl

crime

  1. Countablelawspecialized

    a particular crime that a person is accused of

    • The prisoner was convicted on two counts of murder.

    • He was indicted on six counts in total.

opinion

  1. Countable

    an opinion in a discussion or argument

    • I’m afraid I disagree with you on all/several counts.

    • I believe your count is correct on this point.

Phrases of count noun

  • lose count

    To be unable to remember the number of times something has occurred.

    • I've lost count of how many times she's been late this month.

  • keep count

    To maintain a record of the quantity or frequency of something.

    • At the concert, I tried to keep count of how many songs I heard.

  • on the count of three, four, five, etc.

    Used to indicate the moment when an action or event will begin or occur simultaneously, after counting to a specified number.

    • On the count of three, I expect everyone to stand up.

verb

UK/kaʊnt/
US/kaʊnt/

Definitions of count verb

number

  1. B1TransitiveIntransitive

    to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group

    • Let’s count out loud from one to ten.

    • The teacher counted the students as they boarded the bus.

    • Count your money carefully to be sure it is all there.

value

  1. B2Intransitive

    to have value or importance

    • I have always believed that happiness counts more than money.

    • My opinion doesn't count for anything around here.

    • Every person’s effort counts in this team.

consider

  1. C2TransitiveIntransitive

    to consider or be considered as

    • I count myself fortunate to have had such a good education.

    • I've had three jobs in the last five years, but one of them was unpaid, so it doesn't count.

    • I have always counted Sophia among my closest friends.

Phrases of count verb

  • count heads

    to determine the number of individuals present in a specific location or group

    • Before the meeting starts, the manager will usually count heads to ensure all relevant personnel are present.

Idioms

  • count the cost

    to begin to realize the negative consequences or impact of a previous action or decision.

    • He didn't save for retirement and is now starting to count the cost of that decision.

  • count your blessings

    To be grateful for the positive aspects of one's life, often as a way to avoid becoming excessively unhappy about negative situations.

    • When you feel down, try to count your blessings; you'll find things aren't so bad.

  • Don't count your chickens before they're hatched

    This idiom is used to caution against relying on a favorable outcome before it has actually occurred.

    • They started celebrating before the contract was signed, which is like counting your chickens before they're hatched.

  • don't count your chickens before they're hatched

    This idiom is used to caution against being overly optimistic or making plans based on uncertain future events. It advises against counting on success before it is assured.

    • They haven't signed the contract yet, so don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

  • could count something on (the fingers of) one hand

    Describes something that occurs very infrequently or exists in very small numbers; so few that it could almost be counted on one hand.

    • I could count the number of times I've traveled abroad in my life on the fingers of one hand.

  • be out for the count

    To be in a state of deep sleep or unconsciousness, especially sleeping very soundly.

    • By the end of the match, the boxer was out for the count.

Phrasal Verbs of count

  • count on something

    to anticipate an event and make arrangements based on its occurrence

    • I am counting on reaching an agreement at this meeting, so I have made all the necessary arrangements.

  • count something out

    to enumerate coins or notes individually as you place them down

    • She counted out the bills on the table to ensure the amount was correct.

  • count towards something

    to contribute to the completion or achievement of something

    • In this course, the credits from the internship can count towards the degree.

  • count against someone/something

    to have a negative impact on someone or something, increasing the chances of failure

    • Arriving late for the interview will count against you.

  • count someone in

    to ensure someone is included in a particular activity or plan

    • We're planning to go to the movies; do you want to join us? I'll count you in.

  • count on someone

    to trust that you can rely on someone with confidence

    • In tough times, I know I can count on my friends.

  • count someone out

    to exclude someone from participation in an activity or arrangement

    • Despite her injuries, the coach doesn't want to count her out of the team.