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."
separable
count out
B1 informal separable transitive
To exclude someone from a plan, or to count items one by one while distributing them.
In plain English
To say someone is not included, or to count things one by one as you give them out.
What does "count out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To count something out of a group — the distribution sense is transparent; the exclusion sense is slightly idiomatic.
Actually means
To say someone is not included, or to count things one by one as you give them out.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "count out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money coins cash plan possibility option
How to conjugate "count out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "count out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "count out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.