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

Following a brief opening set from Las Vegas rock act Dark Chapel — featuring Black Label Society’s Dario Lorina on guitars and vocals — the crowd could really start the countdown to Zakk Sabbath. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

In a signature YouTube style, the ad had a Skip Ad button with a countdown clock. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026

For the company’s 24th birthday, which also falls on National Pi Day in deference to the date being 3/14, the launch commentator had a special countdown and felicitation. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

The National Board of Review and the American Film Institute also named the movie in its best of the year countdowns. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 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)