could
Americanauxiliary verb
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a simple past tense of can.
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(used to express possibility).
I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true.
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(used to express conditional possibility or ability).
You could do it if you tried.
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(used in making polite requests).
Could you open the door for me, please?
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(used in asking for permission).
Could I borrow your pen?
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(used in offering suggestions or advice).
You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me.
verb
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used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1
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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
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used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action
you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining
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(often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility
he could well be a spy
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Ojai could pave the way for Waymo to expand more rapidly at a lower price, as it costs less to manufacture and outfit than the I-Pace.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
Sinner could be heard saying he felt "dizzy" and like he "wanted to vomit" and took a mid-game medical timeout before returning to court.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
Some scientists believe the approach could ultimately become far less expensive than laser-based surgery because it may not require large, complex laser systems.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2026
Researchers warn that the shift could affect everything from fish and seabirds to marine mammals, while also weakening the Arctic Ocean's ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2026
You know I could just ask her if she likes you?”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
