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
We were counting too much on norms to reinforce the explicit checks and balances.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
Prof Gaffney said it added to previous evidence that people were counting and applying it.
From BBC ● Nov. 27, 2025
Then they were counting down and casting off.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
