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.

Examples of could in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even with the defense clicking, the best the Fever could do was an eight-point deficit. — J.l. Kirven, The Indianapolis Star, 17 June 2021 But last August, even these masters of survival couldn’t hold on as the Castle Fire raged through Sequoia National Park. — Jon Schlosberg, ABC News, 16 June 2021 Arizona led 7-0 in the second inning, but couldn’t hold on and lost its 12th in a row overall. — Michael Wagaman, ajc, 16 June 2021 Even Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a two-time MVP award winner, could do nothing but praise Durant afterwards. — Ben Morse, CNN, 16 June 2021 Hayman added that people were able to bring in limited book donations during the pandemic but because of lack of space, the library didn’t publicize that patrons could do so. — Cameron Fields, cleveland, 16 June 2021 Cloud spotters could see a catalogue of types slowly drifting across the blue. — Washington Post, 16 June 2021 If those agreements don’t adjust rent to account for inflation, landlords could see their real incomes shrink. — Karen Langley, WSJ, 16 June 2021 Who ever wins Brady’s trust in that regard this year could see a significant amount of offensive snaps and play a big role in growing Tampa’s offensive capability. — Liam Fox, Forbes, 16 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.