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

The countdown, which remained live for roughly 10 minutes before disappearing, featured the same Toy Story-style blue skies and white clouds. —Bryan West, USA Today, 30 May 2026

Federal prosecutor Melissa Hindman said Friday that the family’s immigration proceedings would require at least 30 days’ notice before they are deported, and that countdown has not yet started. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

Also, our World Cup countdown continues with Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 May 2026

There’s also the dedicated Apple Events page, here, which sometimes displays a countdown timer in the days before the event, including a simple way to get a reminder in time to watch. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 28 May 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)