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.
With a bullpen game scheduled for the evening half of a doubleheader Sunday, the Dodgers were counting on Yamamoto to pitch deep into Game 1 and let as many relievers as possible rest up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026
March brought another whiff, when forecasters were counting on moderate job gains and wound up blindsided by a blowout increase.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026
But broadly speaking, the researchers said ravens were counting on their memory to lead the search.
From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026
Some shoppers' household budgets were in good shape while many others were counting every penny, he said.
From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026
In addition, the two were counting on another $481 in paychecks.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
