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 ceremony is part of a growing countdown to June 15, when Atlanta will host its first match of the global tournament at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

Another sweeping drama—Outlander—is also up this month as the series begins its countdown to the last episode, which airs in May. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026

Over the course of about four minutes, Robby told Bui when to load each ingredient, with a countdown on the screen to signal the time between each step. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

This work matters especially now, as chief savings officers step into their roles and the 45-day countdown begins. —Julie Samuels, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 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)