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

Diwali at Times Square marked its 11th year in New York City with international performers, cultural bazaars and a lighting countdown at the Ball Drop Tower. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Mapping the Solar Corona’s Temperature With Iron The countdown on the computers that control the cameras has begun. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

The photos look professional, and a countdown clock warns that the deal is about to expire. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

In the Instagram video, a countdown clock flashed between clips of Carey’s performance. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 Nov. 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)