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

Fireworks, countdowns, and a midnight toast. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026

Thousands of Chicagoans braved the cold to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the corner of Wacker and Franklin in the Loop and were treated to fireworks, musical performances and a countdown to midnight projected on the Merchandise Mart. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

City leaders are officially moving away from the Peach Drop, replacing it with a citywide drone countdown and fireworks display designed to spread crowds across multiple neighborhoods rather than concentrating them downtown. —Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's annual New Year's Eve countdown feels like a reward for making it through a trying year. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Jan. 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)