Browse all

count out

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To say someone is not included, or to count things one by one as you give them out.

Literal meaning: To count something out of a group — the distribution sense is transparent; the exclusion sense is slightly idiomatic.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To exclude someone from a plan, activity, or group.

"If you're planning to go camping in this weather, count me out."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To count items one by one while distributing or arranging them.

"The cashier carefully counted out the correct change and placed it on the counter."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral

In boxing, for a referee to count to ten over a fallen fighter, declaring them unable to continue.

"The champion was counted out in the eighth round after a devastating blow."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Has two distinct senses: exclusion ('count me out') and physical distribution of items. The exclusion sense is the more common idiomatic use. Also used in boxing when a referee counts a downed fighter out.

Commonly used with

money coins cash plan possibility option

Forms

Base
count out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
counts out
he/she/it
Past simple
counted out
yesterday
Past participle
counted out
have + pp
-ing form
counting out
continuous

Understand "count out" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "count out" on Looplines