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

This dynamic Autobot versus Decepticon showdown on the planet Cybertron features an evil planet-sized Transformer called Unicron and its insatiable appetite for destruction. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 May 2026

Who dies during the showdown at Sam's house? —Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

An old handgun is recovered at some point and eventually used, though probably in the least dramatic way possible, while showdowns between the main characters occur during more long conversations involving yet more liquor. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026

My faint hopes of forcing my way into a three-way showdown on the final day were raised by a bonus point for Aston Villa’s victory over Liverpool but then dashed by Sunday’s games. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 22 May 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