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

Demands Are Only Growing What accelerates the countdown to failure is that the job keeps getting bigger. — Thomas Ryd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

One Night Only is literally all contrivance, as attested to by the countdown clocks posted everywhere to alert everyone as to when the Sex Purge will be over. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

What’s worse, the countdown clock that gave Braun’s screenplay its propulsive feel becomes almost meaningless onscreen. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026

Efford said Georgia Tech has a countdown clock to its annual rivalry game with the Bulldogs. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 30 July 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)