to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group: Let's count out loud (= speak the words) from one to ten. The teachers counted the students as they got on to the bus. Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there. [ + question word ] We need to count who's here, so we can make sure that no one's missing. There'll be eight for dinner, counting (= including) ourselves. We're still waiting for the votes to be counted (up).