Definition of counter
1 : a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
2 : something of value in bargaining : asset
3 : a level surface (such as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted jewelry counter a lunch counter
over the counter
1 : in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange stock bought over the counter
2 : without a prescription drugs available over the counter
under the counter
: by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner workers being paid under the counter
Explore Merriam-Webster
Origin and Etymology of counter
Middle English countour, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin computatorium computing place, from Latin computare —see 1count
First Known Use: 14th century
Origin and Etymology of counter
Middle English, from Anglo-French cuntur, from cunter to count
First Known Use: 14th century
Examples of counter in a Sentence
When they blamed him for the collapse of the bridge, he countered that his warnings about the bridge had been ignored.
“I could say the same thing about you,” she countered.
After she made her point, he could not counter with anything.
Origin and Etymology of counter
Middle English countren, from Anglo-French cuntre against, opposite, from Latin contra; akin to Latin com- with, together — more at co-
First Known Use: 14th century
Definition of counter
1 : in an opposite or wrong direction
2 : to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect values that run counter to those of society
Origin and Etymology of counter
Middle English contre, from Anglo-French cuntre
First Known Use: 15th century
Definition of counter
2 : the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
3a : the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing); also : a blow thus given in boxingb : an agency or force that offsets : check
4 : a stiffener to give permanent form to a boot or shoe upper around the heel
5 : an area within the face of a letter wholly or partly enclosed by strokes
6 : a football play in which the ballcarrier goes in a direction opposite to the movement of the play
15th Century
First Known Use of counter
15th century
Definition of counter
1 : marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
2 : given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
3 : situated or lying opposite the counter side
4 : recalling or ordering back by a superseding contrary order : countermanding counter orders from the colonel
Examples of counter in a Sentence
was unprepared for such a strong counter campaign by opponents of the legislative bill
1582
First Known Use of counter
1582
counter-
Definition of counter-
1a : contrary : opposite counterclockwise countermarchb : opposing : retaliatory counterforce counteroffensive
2 : complementary : corresponding counterweight counterpart
3 : duplicate : substitute counterfoil
counteraccusation
counteradaptation
counteradvertising
counteragent
counteraggression
Origin and Etymology of counter-
Middle English contre-, from Anglo-French, from cuntre
COUNTER Defined for English Language Learners
counter
playDefinition of counter for English Language Learners
-
: to do something in defense or in response to something
-
: to make (something) less effective or ineffective
-
: to say (something) in response to something that another person has said
counter
playDefinition of counter for English Language Learners
-
: in a way that goes against or does not agree with something
counter-
Definition of counter- for English Language Learners
-
: in a direction opposite to
-
: as a reaction against
COUNTER Defined for Kids
Definition of counter for Students
1 : a level surface usually higher than a table that is used especially for selling, serving food, displaying things, or working on
2 : a piece used in games or to find a total in adding
Definition of counter for Students
1 : a person whose job is to determine a total
2 : a device for showing a number or amount
counter
Definition of counter for Students
countered
;countering
1 : to say in response to something said “I could say the same about you,” he countered.
2 : to act in opposition to : oppose She countered with a move that ended the game.
Definition of counter for Students
: in another or opposite direction He will always go counter to advice.
Definition of counter for Students
: an answering or opposing force or blow
counter-
Definition of counter- for Students
1 : opposite counterclockwise
2 : opposing
3 : like : matching counterpart
4 : duplicate : substitute
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of counter
: a level surface over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted a lunch counter
over the counter
counter
Medical Definition of counter
: one that counts; especially : a device for indicating a number or amount—see geiger counter
Law Dictionary
counter-
Legal Definition of counter-
1a : contrary : opposite counterletter b : opposing : retaliatory counteraction
2 : complementary : corresponding countersign
3 : duplicate : substitute counterpart
Learn More about counter
-
See words that rhyme with counter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for counter Spanish Central: Translation of counter Nglish: Translation of counter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of counter for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up counter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!