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

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

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)