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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a lot of respects, this round is a heavyweight showdown among NASCAR’s best. Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 The ending in the book, Lo never gets that moment of showdown. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 There’s also the prospect of drawing in congressional leadership, perhaps figures in the midst of a showdown like a shutdown. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Getting an illness is not an indication that Chase won't make the Bengals Week 6 showdown, but the severity of the illness is something to monitor. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

showdown

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

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