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

Love was in the air Monday as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers started their big four-game showdown at Wrigley Field. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

The showdown that resulted in Shakur’s death began when the two gangs faced off at a Southern California mall. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Readers can play along with a series of weekly elimination challenges involving clues from the book, eventually advancing to a final showdown with the Top 10 players. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

From a fiscal showdown over Sacramento City Unified to a fire that wiped out a decades-old video game collection, plenty happened around the region this weekend. — Sacbee.com, 31 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