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

Here’s your shot at having a little fun with the showdown between the blue- and red-state leaders using our printable bingo cards. —Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023

Besides offering voters a look of the alternatives to Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the showdown between the California and Florida governors could provide a revealing policy contrast. —The Editorial Board, WSJ, 28 Nov. 2023

Advertisement With time expiring on the last play of regulation in last week’s semifinal showdown against Helix, Radilla Benavidez booted a 36-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Nov. 2023

Jack becomes aware of their pursuit, sparking a deadly showdown. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023

Sam Altman, the face of the artificial intelligence revolution, will not return as OpenAI chief executive despite talks to negotiate his reinstatement Sunday, two people familiar with the matter said, the latest twist in one of Silicon Valley’s most dramatic boardroom showdowns. —Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023

Last season’s showdown between the rivals ended with a 27 to 13 win for the Georgia Bulldogs. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023

The showdown between the leaders of the world's two largest economies, who are on the opposite end of many issues, is likely to dominate the summit. —Chris Massaro, Fox News, 11 Nov. 2023

The results include a handful of showdowns—one in the Khan family house, several in outer space—and some derring-do with spacecraft. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute