countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
Synonyms of countdownnext
: 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 intransitive verb

Examples of countdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Béis already has a countdown on its website for the drop, filled with previews and price points for the capsule pieces. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 6 Dec. 2025 Signs of its impending arrival — from an endeavor to activate empty storefronts to Fan Fest renderings to countdown clocks to calls for volunteers — have been gathering momentum for months. Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 5 Dec. 2025 The countdown is on toward the Jewish festival of lights and all that Hanukkah entails. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025 The countdown to the world’s largest soccer tournament has begun. MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for countdown

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of countdown was circa 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countdown. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

countdown

noun
count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
: the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)

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