count out

verb

counted out; counting out; counts out

transitive verb

1
: to not include (someone) in an activity
If you are looking for people to help you clean the house today, count me out.
2
: to decide that (someone or something) cannot win or succeed
Don't count out our team just yet. They could still win.
3
: to count (a certain number of items to be separated from a quantity one is holding)
He counted out ten tickets and handed them to her.
4
: to signal the knockout of (a boxer who is down) by completing an audible count of 10 seconds before the boxer rises

Examples of count out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cruise Center’s Tom Baker says not to count out other cruise lines entirely when traveling with children. Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2024 But don’t count out Fraser-Pryce, aiming to get on the podium once again. Lukas Weese, The Athletic, 25 July 2024 The Ravens can never be counted out because of Jackson’s elite skills and their several offensive weapons alongside the two-time MVP. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 The Bucs face long odds to make the playoffs for a fifth straight season — but recent history suggests this team shouldn't be counted out quite yet. Jeff Weiner, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for count out 

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of count out was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near count out

Cite this Entry

“Count out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/count%20out. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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