showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
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 showdown between the Highlands Ranch powers is underway. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2024 The week’s biggest stories Elections and politics Schiff and Garvey are headed to a November showdown for coveted California Senate seat. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Unleashed and unyielding, Mr. Biden seemed to relish the showdown. Peter Baker, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, won their respective North Carolina presidential primary races with ease on Tuesday en route to what’s likely to be another showdown for the White House in November. Kendrick Marshall, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 Stakes were high on the court, but the Las Vegas showdown was most effective as a lush advertisement for the streamer as a fledgling live sports destination. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 Saturday’s showdown at Contra Costa College was a duel between two programs with opposite reputations in NorCal. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 The Venice Beach showdown comes as Los Angeles residents have voiced exasperation over the deteriorating quality of life in the Pacific waterfront neighborhood. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2024 Eagle Pass is at the center of a legal showdown between the Biden administration and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over border enforcement. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showdown.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near showdown

Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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