SINCE 1828
could
auxiliary verb
\ kəd, ˈku̇d
\
\
Definition of could
past tense of can
—used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present If you could come, we would be pleased.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for could
could
\ kəd
, ˈku̇d\
, ˈku̇d\
Kids Definition of could
past tense of can
1
—used as a helping verb in the past Her daughter could read at the age of five.
2
—used as a polite form instead of can Could you help me?
3
—used to say something is possible You could win.You could have been hurt.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on could
What made you want to look up could? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Farm Idioms Quiz
Not your children's farm quiz.
Take the quiz -
Up in the Sky: A Quiz
It's a bird? It's a plane? No, I'm really asking. What is it?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share could
Resources for could