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 celebration kicked off with a live musical performance by New York’s High and Mighty Brass Band and popcorn given out to guests, followed by a visit by Santa and a countdown to the window reveal led by Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman’s senior vice president, fashion office and store presentation. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

The next formula As the 2024 Excel championship neared its end, Jarman anxiously watched the countdown timer on a big screen. —Shikhar Sachdev, HubSpot, 21 Nov. 2025

Light the menorah, hang up a stocking on your fireplace, or do the New Year’s Eve countdown for yourself. —Monica Haider, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025

Grande’s brief mention of the diagnosis was followed by a countdown to the release of the second Wicked film, out Friday. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 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)