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 Israeli government approved and signed the deal overnight, local time, kicking off a 24-hour countdown clock during which time troops had to withdraw to a pre-determined position. —Rachel Wolf , Yonat Friling , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025

The notices also generally trigger a 60-day countdown before any terminations can take effect, allowing agencies to potentially revise their plans if Congress reaches a deal to reopen the government. —Nik Popli, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

In the nearly two months between when the album was announced and when it was released, her website featured a number of mysterious countdown clocks. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025

Or that for many parents (27%), the countdown to independence and their child turning 18 is very real? —Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025

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)