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counterman

American  
[kaun-ter-man] / ˈkaʊn tərˌmæn /

noun

  • countermen
    plural
  1. a person who waits on customers from behind a counter, as in a cafeteria.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of counterman

First recorded in 1850–55; counter 1 + man


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.

See Examples For:

With him is Jaime Castaneda, a longtime manager, trusted counterman and one of the secret weapons Langer deploys to ensure the deli’s famous pastrami is hand-cut with speed and precision.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

As he launched his acting career, Mr. Constantine supported himself by working as a night watchman at a department store, counterman at a hamburger chain and barker at a shooting gallery.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 9, 2021

The counterman deftly flipped a sizzling skein of thinly sliced steak onto a roll and then applied a lacquer of Cheez Whiz to create a classic Philly cheesesteak.

From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2018

Walk into Miller’s Paints in Bangor, in the north of the county, and there are two examples: the owner, Duane Miller, 80, and the counterman, Dalton Tucker, 20.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 20, 2018

There was no more frown on the face of the white counterman that was beside of me.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson

Harvey was known for his Yiddish-speaking Puerto Rican countermen and for serving deliciously seasoned chopped meat on white bread.

From New York Times ● Nov. 23, 2016

The politician asked the countermen at Town Hall to recreate the sandwich.

From New York Times ● Apr. 14, 2015

Mr. Addis and his two longtime countermen, Lewis Spada and Alex Ortiz, provide high-end, exceptional service in a low-key, familiar way.

From New York Times ● Mar. 5, 2011

It would be "inconvenient" to evacuate parts of cities, but Geiger countermen would be around to spot safe areas.

From Time Magazine Archive

Arnie Weinstein took to frequenting the townie bars, where he attempted to discuss Marxist theory with hostile countermen.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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