countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
: an audible backward counting in fixed units (such as seconds) from an arbitrary starting number to mark the time remaining before an event
also : preparations carried on during such a count
count down intransitive verb

Examples of countdown 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.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, will begin their one-week countdown to the big game as Swift joins her peers in the music industry. Natasha Dye, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 The intrigue: While lots of wrestlers declare for the Royal Rumble, most of the competitors and their order of entry are kept a mystery, making every countdown of the timer more exciting. Justin L. MacK, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 The album announcement follows a days-long countdown hosted on the musician’s official website. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 The conference championship games are over and the countdown to Super Bowl LIX begins. Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for countdown 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of countdown was circa 1952

Dictionary Entries Near countdown

Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countdown. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

countdown

noun
count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
: the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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