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

Those engagements will celebrate the one-year countdown to the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The judge, James Boasberg, stood by his ruling in early April, starting a countdown clock for Pirro to file an appeal by May 4. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

Community members are expected to gather at dusk for the event, which will include a countdown to the moment the sign is switched back on. —City News Service, Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026

The Spartans, who held their annual Spring Showcase Saturday, have some big shoes to fill for the upcoming season as the countdown until fall camp hits 102 days. —Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 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)