countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n 

: an audible backward counting in fixed units (such as seconds) from an arbitrary starting number to mark the time remaining before an event

also : preparations carried on during such a count

count down

ˈkau̇nt-ˈdau̇n 

intransitive verb

Examples of countdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Mexico will host Uruguay on Sunday at Estadio Corona in an international friendly. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

So is a countdown clock that has been silently running in the background since the start of the show, ostensibly displaying the remaining minutes till the election results are declared. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

There is also the National Dog Show following the parade, as well as a countdown special the night before. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025

Press the button to record, and a short countdown will begin, followed by an audio cue that informs everyone on the call they're being recorded. —PC Magazine, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for countdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown
• knockdown

Kids Definition

countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n 

: the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)