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

The Valkyries have four days off between Wednesday’s game against the Sky and their Monday showdown with the Wings, giving Stokes time to recover from her concussion. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

That's a Saturday night when Lane, Whit and the Tigers roll into The Grove for a very early SEC showdown that could be one of the most emotional nights of football in SEC regular-season history. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, a key American League Central showdown begins today at Rate Field, with the first-place White Sox hosting the second-place Cleveland Guardians in a three-game series. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

The legal showdown, in which the DA has teamed up with lobbyists, will test the government’s stability. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 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