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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
That countdown clock is a nightmare about to come true for Windows users the world over. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 For those who appreciate style and spook in equal measure, those 31 eerie days are basically a countdown to Halloween. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 These days, adults can also take part in the exciting countdown. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Oct. 2024 With Jeff Lynne’s ELO revisiting so many of their greatest hits on the Over and Out Tour, which makes its way to downtown Phoenix on Monday, Oct. 21, for a stop at Footprint Center, here’s one longtime fan and critic’s countdown of their 30 best songs. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 20 Oct. 2024 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 14 Nov. 2024.

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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