couldn't

contraction

ˈku̇-dᵊnt How to pronounce couldn't (audio)
-dᵊn,
 dialectal also  ˈku̇-tᵊn(t),
 or  ˈku̇nt
: could not

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of couldn't was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near couldn't

could have sworn

couldn't

couldn't be happier

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Couldn't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/couldn%27t. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

couldn't

ˈku̇d-ᵊnt How to pronounce couldn't (audio)
: could not

More from Merriam-Webster on couldn't

Nglish: Translation of couldn't for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of couldn't for Arabic Speakers

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