could

American  

[kood, kuhd] / kʊd, kəd /

auxiliary verb

1. a simple past tense of can.

2. (used to express possibility).

   I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true.

3. (used to express conditional possibility or ability).

   You could do it if you tried.

4. (used in making polite requests).

   Could you open the door for me, please?

5. (used in asking for permission).

   Could I borrow your pen?

6. (used in offering suggestions or advice).

   You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me.

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could British  

/ kʊd /

verb

1. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1

2. used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of can 1

   could I see you tonight?

   she'd telephone if she could

3. used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action

   you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining

4. (often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility

   he could well be a spy

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could Idioms  

1. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. Also see under can; couldn't.

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Usage

See care.

Etymology

Origin of could

First recorded in 1450–1500; alteration of late Middle English coude, coud, Old English cūthe; modern -l- from would ¹, should

Example Sentences

The first book, “We Could Be Beautiful,” did well because the publisher put real money into the marketing of it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

Could AI chatbots help fight all that misinformation?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Could his prowess at penalties work in his favour?

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Could we end up in a situation where, even if FEMA’s not gone, it’s like a ghost ship?

From Slate • May 21, 2026

“Could you…I kind of need the money soon. Could you pay me a hundred dollars in advance?”

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• commit
• manage
• take care of