countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
: 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 intransitive verb

Examples of countdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Honk recommends getting near the DMV office before the countdown gets close to concluding. Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 The final countdown has arrived. Rachel Spector, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for countdown

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of countdown was circa 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countdown. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

countdown

noun
count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
: the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)

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