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 version corresponds with the pink and red hues of the second lock that appeared on Swift's website countdown and the matching box seen on the podcast episode. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

There are lists and polls, recruiting countdowns, game stories, trend stories and in-depth features. —Richard Obert, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Ground crews assemble the pieces of each rocket atop the launch platforms, which then transfer the complete launch vehicles to the launch pad for final countdown preps. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025

Then, a cryptic countdown appeared on the pop star’s website, which showed a mint-green clock against a shimmering orange backdrop. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 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)