couldn't

contraction

ˈku̇-dᵊnt How to pronounce couldn't (audio)
-dᵊn,
 dialectal also  ˈku̇-tᵊn(t),
 or  ˈku̇nt
: could not

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of couldn't was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near couldn't

Cite this Entry

“Couldn't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/couldn%27t. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

couldn't

: could not

More from Merriam-Webster on couldn't

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