WordofTheDay.US

Added 4 October 2026

counter

/ˈkaʊn.tə/ noun

Categories: ThingsPeopleEveryday Words

In Latin: contra Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about counter at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. One who counts.
    He's only 16 months, but is already a good counter – he can count to 100.
  2. A reckoner; someone who collects data by counting; an enumerator.
  3. An object (now especially a small disc) used in counting or keeping count, or as a marker in games, etc.
    He rolled a six on the dice, so moved his counter forward six spaces.

adverb

  1. Contrary, in opposition; in an opposite direction.
  2. In the wrong way; contrary to the right course.
    a hound that runs counter

noun

  1. Something opposite or contrary to something else.
  2. A proactive defensive hold or move in reaction to a hold or move by one's opponent.
    Always know a counter to any hold you try against your opponent.
  3. The overhanging stern of a vessel above the waterline, below and somewhat forward of the stern proper.

verb

  1. To contradict, oppose.
  2. To return a blow while receiving one, as in boxing.
  3. To take action in response to; to respond.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English countour, from Old French conteor (French comptoir), from Medieval Latin computātōrium, from Latin computō, equivalent to count + -er. Doublet of cantore, computer, and kontor.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: antagonisticforestallanticipateforeseetabulatornegativeparrycounterpunchsideboardheelbuffetcounterattack

Back to today's word