count
verb (used with object)
to check over (the separate units or groups of a collection) one by one to determine the total number; add up; enumerate.
were counting
-
past progressiveof count.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
But broadly speaking, the researchers said ravens were counting on their memory to lead the search.
From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026
Colombian officials said they were counting on a personal rapport between Trump and Petro.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
Some shoppers' household budgets were in good shape while many others were counting every penny, he said.
From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026
The likeliest scenario is surely that those who are higher earners will get less than they were counting on.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2025
“You were counting on that, eh? It is true I do not like fire. But Leo Valdez's flames are not strong enough to trouble me.”
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
