Meaning of count In English

• 0 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 (= speak the words) from one to ten.

  • The teachers counted the students as they got on to the bus.

  • Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there.

  • [ + question word ] We need to count who's here, so we can make sure that no one's missing.

  • There'll be eight for dinner, counting (= including) ourselves.

  • We're still waiting for the votes to be counted (up).

  • There look to be about 50 people here - I haven't counted heads yet.

• 1 to have value or importance:

  • I've always believed that happiness counts more than money.

  • My opinion doesn't count for anything around here (= no one values my opinion).

• 2 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 (= cannot be considered as a real job).

  • I've always counted Sophia among my closest friends.

  • I didn't think his grudging remarks really counted as an apology.

• 3 the act of counting, or the total number of things counted:

  • Having done a quick count, I find I've planted 25 different ferns.

  • The current head count (= total number of people) is about 31,500 employees.

  • We had 450 members at the last count (= when they were last counted).

  • Early counts show Mr Adams in the lead.

  • The candidate's spouse and election agent are also entitled to be present at the count.

  • He lost by 3% of the vote, and has challenged the count in court.

  • So many people asked us for help, it was hard to keep count.

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

  • a high pollen count

  • a low blood/sperm count

  • On the count of three, I'd like you all to stand up.

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

• 5 a particular crime that a person is accused of:

  • The prisoner was found guilty on two counts of murder.

• 6 an opinion in a discussion or argument:

  • I'm afraid I disagree with you on all/several counts (= I disagree with all/several of your opinions).

• 7 to say the names of numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of units in a group:

  • [ I ] By the time I count to three, you’d better be in bed.

  • [ T ] The teachers counted the students as they boarded the bus.

  • [ T ] There’ll be eight for dinner, counting (= including) us.

  • [ + question word ] Can you count how many pencils are left?

• 8 to consider or be considered as:

  • [ T ] He counts Lucy as one of his closest friends.

  • [ I ] Does homework count toward my grade?

• 9 to have value or importance:

  • I’ve always believed that happiness counts more than money.

• 10 a separate item included in a criminal accusation against someone:

  • She was found guilty on two counts of fraud.

• 11 a statement of belief in a discussion or argument:

  • I think you’re wrong on all counts.

• 12 a calculation, esp. a scientific one, of the number of units in a group:

  • a low blood count

  • [ C ] We need a count of the number of e-mail inquiries.