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

Week 5 brings an SIAC showdown between Kentucky State and Edward Waters, unbeaten South Carolina State back to Orangeburg, South Carolina, and a Jackson State-Alabama A&M matchup in Mobile, Alabama, that could say plenty about the SWAC East race. — Wilton Jackson, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Now, Raman and Bass — both Democrats — are heading toward a generational showdown. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

And the showdown against Florida could set the tone for the rest of Missouri’s season. — Pj Green october 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Her designs may set up a showdown with the German Chancellor, the center-right Friedrich Merz, who opposes the plan to socialize housing. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 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