coun
ter
Plural
counters
1
a table with a narrow horizontal surface over which goods are put or people are served
A counter refers to a flat surface or platform used in commercial or service settings, such as in retail stores, banks, or offices. It is typically where transactions are conducted, customer services are provided, or goods are displayed. Counters are made from materials like wood, metal, or glass and are designed to be sturdy and functional. In many cases, they are designed to be at a comfortable height for standing or sitting, and they may include storage or compartments for supplies or paperwork. Counters help organize workspaces and serve as focal points for customer interaction.
- The cashier stood behind the counter.
- They placed their bags on the counter at the shop.
- She cleaned the counter after the customers left.
- The bakery displayed its cakes on the counter.
- He leaned on the counter while waiting for his coffee.
2
a small usually round object included in some board games to mark a player's place or score
In a game, a counter refers to a small object, token, or piece used to represent a player's progress, score, or position in the game. Counters can be physical items like chips, discs, or coins, or they can be represented digitally in video games. They are typically used to track important aspects of the game, such as points, health, resources, or turns. Players move or adjust their counters during the game to reflect changes in their status or to indicate actions taken. Counters are an essential tool in many games, helping players keep track of important information.
- The game came with colored counters for each player.
- Counters helped track resources in the strategy game.
- Plastic counters were used to keep score.
- Each player started with ten counters.
- She accidentally knocked over the counters.
3
a device that records the number of times an event occurs
- The counter tracked how many items were sold.
- A lap counter was used during the race.
- The machine included a digital counter.
- He reset the counter after each use.
- The visitor counter showed hundreds of entries.
Synonyms:
4
a sideboard or cabinet in a dining room with drawers and shelves
A counter refers to a flat surface often found in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, used for tasks such as food preparation, storing items, or working. In kitchens, counters are used for chopping, mixing, and cooking, while bathroom counters provide space for toiletries or other personal items. Counters are usually made from durable materials like granite, wood, or laminate and can vary in size and design to suit the space. They are an essential part of home design, providing both functionality and style in various rooms.
- The buffet counter held plates and cutlery.
- Antique counters often have intricate carvings.
- The dining room counter displayed fine china.
- She stored the table linens in the counter drawers.
- The counter was polished to a high shine.
5
a punch delivered in response to an opponent's strike, especially in boxing
- The boxer landed a sharp counter after the jab.
- He trained to improve his counters.
- A well-timed counter can turn the match.
- She threw a counter that stunned her opponent.
- He avoided the punch and delivered a counter.
Synonyms:
6
a stiff piece of leather forming the back part of a shoe or boot
- The cobbler replaced the worn shoe counter.
- Reinforcing the counter improves shoe durability.
- A leather counter helps maintain the boot's shape.
- He stitched a new counter into the heel.
- The counter provides support to the ankle.
Synonyms:
7
(in computers) a register or variable whose value progresses through a series of states, often consecutive integers
- The program uses a counter to track iterations.
- Each loop incremented the counter.
- Counters are essential in many algorithms.
- The digital counter displayed the current step.
- Hardware counters operate automatically in circuits.
8
a quick, often witty or critical, response to a question or remark
- She replied with a clever counter.
- His counter silenced the opposition.
- The politician delivered a sharp counter during the debate.
- He had a witty counter for every argument.
- A good counter can change the course of a discussion.
9
a person who counts items or records numbers
- The counter tallied all the ballots.
- He worked as a counter in the warehouse.
- Counters verified the inventory at the end of the day.
- A counter recorded attendance at the event.
- The team included several counters for accuracy.