showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n 

1

: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot

2

: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the Raptors, the unenviable task of slowing down Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns proved far too tall of an order, underscoring the very reason the Knicks can dispose of them — and fast — in a potential first-round showdown. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

Curry missed two games against the Lakers in February with his knee injury, and James missed the teams’ season-opening showdown with sciatica. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

The Trail Blazers also lost on Wednesday, setting the stage for the showdown. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

Minnesota trails Dallas by two points for second place in the Central Division and Western Conference heading into their showdown Thursday in Texas. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute