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

Fittingly, the showdown between Godzilla and Ghidorah plays like a ghastly cockfight. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Now, Montana is poised for a constitutional showdown that could reach the nation's highest court. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Ahead of Saturday’s top-10 showdown in Oxford, our friends at DawgNation point out that Georgia failed to sack the Ole Miss quarterback a single time in either of last season’s matchups — but the Bulldog pass rush has been much better this year. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Expect both teams to lean on defense and the run game in an old-fashioned showdown. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 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