counterclaim

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām How to pronounce counterclaim (audio)
: an opposing claim
especially : a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action

counterclaim

2 of 2

verb

counterclaimed; counterclaiming; counterclaims

intransitive verb

: to enter or plead a counterclaim

transitive verb

: to ask in a counterclaim

Examples of counterclaim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Lochridge alleged in a counterclaim lawsuit that he was fired for raising concerns about quality control. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2024 Lochridge filed a counterclaim lawsuit against OceanGate. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
And Democrats are still counterclaiming that nearly all the benefits of an extension will go to the rich and to large companies. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 The court also dismissed Windstream’s counterclaims against Aurelius. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 See all Example Sentences for counterclaim 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterclaim.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1857, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterclaim was in 1784

Dictionary Entries Near counterclaim

Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclaim. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

counterclaim

noun
coun·​ter·​claim
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌklām
: an opposing claim
counterclaim verb
counterclaimant
-ˌklā-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

counterclaim

noun
coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām How to pronounce counterclaim (audio)
: a claim for relief that is asserted against an opposing party after an original claim has been made compare affirmative defense at defense, cross-action, cross-appeal, cross-claim, interpleader, third-party claim
counterclaim verb

More from Merriam-Webster on counterclaim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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