showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n 

1

: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot

2

: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key region contests and big South Georgia showdowns headline Friday night’s slate. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026

If a game is tied after the time limit, a one-on-one showdown replaces traditional extra innings. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

That night, Lee goes to Ginger’s house to tell her what happened — about his hostile showdown with the rupidoop, about Brawny Dude With the Butter Candies checking out Lee’s van in the Boontill parking lot. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

With division rivalries, a Sunday night shootout and a crucial London showdown on tap, Week 6 could tell us a lot about which teams are legitimate contenders and which are headed for disappointment. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showdown

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

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute