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
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On June 20, the WNBA Portland X account posted the date of July 15, saying a countdown was on, potentially alluding to the announcement of the team's official name. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025 That stasis is broken, though, when Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and Computer (Brian Koppelman) arrive one morning and put a literal countdown clock in the kitchen. EW.com, 26 June 2025 SpaceX had reset the countdown clock for its next human spaceflight, but a NASA decision has forced another delay of the private Axiom Space Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025 One is a countdown to the concert, showing the rehearsals while introducing the artist, his production team, his entourage and his family. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 17 June 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 1 Jul. 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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