counterclaim

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām 

: 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

The response included a counterclaim against the plaintiffs for court costs and attorney’s fees. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025

The countersuit Williams filed a motion to dismiss and a counterclaim on Feb. 17 in response to Baumgarten’s complaint. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1857, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for counterclaim

• aspartame
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim

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 

: 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