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

Todd has already contemplated what a sibling Grammy showdown might look like. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

The candidate forum, held on Thursday night in Woodland and moderated by League of Women Voters of Yolo County, was a more confrontational showdown than their debate just one day earlier. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

In winning this best-of-five series three games to one, the Dodgers now can prepare for a best-of-seven showdown against the mighty Milwaukee Brewers. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

From bingo to $46 billion As federal funding shrank in the 1970s, some tribes turned to bingo to raise money, sparking a legal showdown with states that restricted gambling. — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 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