Meaning & use
counters
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“counters” is a form of “counter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Small flat objects used in board games to mark a player's position or score.
Grammar: Always plural in this sense; the singular is counter.
Patterns
- move a counter
- place counters on the board
- a set of counters
Each player starts with four counters on the board.
She moved her counter three spaces forward.
The game comes with red and blue counters.
nounplural
Long flat surfaces in a shop, bank, or café where customers are served or where goods are shown.
Grammar: Plural of counter; the singular is counter.
Patterns
- behind the counter
- at the counter
- over the counter
The shop has three counters, so service is usually quick.
Please pay at one of the counters near the exit.
The bakery counters were filled with fresh bread.
nounpluraltechnical
Small devices or parts that count things, such as people entering a place or items on a machine.
Grammar: Plural of counter; the singular is counter.
Patterns
- electronic counters
- a set of counters
- counters on a machine
The museum uses electronic counters to track visitors.
The counters on the machine show how many copies have been made.
verbtransitive
Third-person singular of counter: says or does something to oppose an idea or action.
Grammar: Takes an object: She counters his argument. The base form is counter.
Patterns
- counter an argument
- counter a claim
- counter with something
She counters every criticism with a calm explanation.
The company counters the negative reports by publishing its own data.
Word forms
| singular | counter |
|---|
Common combinations
- behind the counter
- The pharmacist stood behind the counter and handed me the medicine.
- over the counter
- You can buy this medicine over the counter without a prescription.
- move a counter
- In this game, you move a counter one square at a time.
- at the checkout counter
- There was a long line at the checkout counter.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tokens
- Tokens are similar small game pieces, but they often represent something else, like money or a turn, rather than a position on a board.
- desks
- Desks can mean service areas in a hotel or office, but they are not the same as shop counters where you pay.
Word family
- counter noun
- A single flat surface in a shop, or a single game piece.
- counter verb
- To oppose or reply to something.
- countertop noun
- The flat surface on top of kitchen cabinets.
Commonly confused: counters or counters? counters or counters?
counters vs counters
Do not confuse with 'countess,' which is a woman with a noble title.
counters vs counters
In American English, a kitchen work surface is usually called a countertop or counter, not counters.
Practice
In the board game, each player moves a ______ around the board.
Choose one answer.
The singular 'counter' is correct because each player moves one piece. 'Counters' would mean more than one piece at a time, and the other options are different words.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “counters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.