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

The countdown to the White House American Airlines Flight 77 leaving Washington-Dulles International Airport and heading to Los Angeles International Airport had changed course over Ohio. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Anyone who’s ever worked a projection booth understands that the countdown is never the ending. — Daren Smith, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

Put them down and put your camera away as the countdown reaches the last 30 seconds—the heart-in-your-throat moments of the experience. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

As the countdown to the 2026 college football season begins, UCF is ready to shift its focus from preseason camp to facing an actual opponent. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

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)