transitive verb cost, costing cost′·ing

1. : orig. construed as a vi. with the apparent object an adverbial adjunct, and still felt as a vi. when used with an adverb it cost him dearly
   1. to be obtained or obtainable for (a certain price); be priced at
   2. to cause or require the expenditure, loss, or experience of victory cost him his health
2. costed cost′·ed, costing cost′·ingBusiness to estimate the cost of making, producing, carrying out, etc., as a product or program: often with out

Etymology: ME costen < OFr coster < ML costare < L constare, to stand together, stand at, cost < com-, together + stare, to stand

intransitive verb

noun

1. 1. the amount of money, etc. asked or paid for a thing; price
   2. the amount spent in producing or manufacturing a commodity
   3. the amount paid for something by a dealer, contractor, etc.: a markup is usually added to arrive at a selling price stoves sold at cost in a sale
2. 1. the amount of money, time, effort, etc. required to achieve an end
   2. loss, sacrifice; detriment to smoke at the cost of one's health
3. Law the expenses of a lawsuit, esp. those assessed by the court against the losing party