- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
  Log In

Simple Definition of cost

from our Learner's Dictionary

cost

1 of 2

noun

ˈkɑːst

plural costs

: the price of something : the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something

The original cost [=price] of the house was $200,000.

She attends college at a cost of $15,000 a year.

The average cost of raising a family has increased dramatically.

We offer services at a fraction of the cost of other companies.

bringing/driving down the cost of computers = lowering/reducing the cost of computers

The person at fault in the accident is expected to bear the cost of repairs. [=is expected to pay for the repairs]

What's the difference in cost?

We were able to update the room for very little cost. [=money, expense]

They believe that everyone should have access to adequate medical care, regardless of cost.

: an amount of money that must be spent regularly to pay for something (such as running a business or raising a family)

The cost of doing business in this area is high.

We need better cost control.

The company needs to do some cost cutting. [=needs to find ways to save money]

—usually plural

production/manufacturing/operating costs

By keeping costs down, the company will make larger profits from its products.

the firm's efforts to control costs

Those are just some of the hidden costs [=expenses] of owning a house.

The government covers most of the costs of the program. [=pays for most of the program]

The family's medical costs have increased in the past year.

The company has tried to cut costs [=spend less money] in several areas.

: something that is lost, damaged, or given up in order to achieve or get something

Winning the war, he believes, was worth the cost in lives.

—often used after at

They had won the battle, but at what cost? Far too many people had died.

He had achieved fame, but at a cost; he'd lost many friends and no longer talked to anyone in his family.

She completed the project on time but at the cost of her health. [=the work she did to complete the project on time damaged her health]

He always says what he thinks, even at the cost of hurting someone's feelings.

What are the costs and benefits of the new law?

Note: To do something at all costs or (less commonly) at any cost is to do it even if you have to suffer, work very hard, lose everything you have, etc.

: the money used to pay for a court case

She was fined 50 dollars and ordered to pay court costs.

cost

2 of 2

verb

costs; cost; costing

: to have (an amount of money) as a price

Note: If something costs a certain amount of money, you have to pay that amount of money in order to buy it, use it, or do it.

: to cause (someone) to pay an amount of money

The trip will cost you about $100 each way.

The project will end up costing the government an estimated 3.5 billion dollars.

It will cost you a lot of money, but it'll be worth it.

(informal) I can get the part you need, but it'll cost you. [=you will have to pay a lot of money for it]

Note: If something does not cost (you) a penny or (US) cost (you) a dime/nickel, you do not need to pay any money for it; it is free.

: to cause (someone) to lose something

Her mistakes cost them the game. [=they lost the game because of her mistakes]

The decision to drive that night nearly cost him his life. [=he almost died because of it]

His frequent absences ended up costing him his job.

Note: If something costs you dearly/dear, it causes you to lose something or to suffer a lot.

: to cause (someone) to experience something unpleasant

The error cost me a reprimand, but nothing more serious than that.

a blunder that has cost her considerable embarrassment

past tense costed, British, business : to determine how much money will be needed to pay for (something)

—usually used as (be) costed

The project was originally costed at 3 million pounds.

—often + out

The project has yet to be costed out.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cost. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Simple Definition of cost

cost

noun

verb

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on cost

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aggrandize

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes