countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n 

: 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

ˈkau̇nt-ˈdau̇n 

intransitive verb

Examples of countdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Mesaros acknowledged that the Oregon State Lottery has received recent complaints about the product’s countdown timer, which indicates time left for people to place their wagers, increasing the risks of problem gambling. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 30 Mar. 2026

For the first time in half a century, countdown clocks began ticking Monday toward launch of a three-man one-woman crew on a trip to the moon and back, a major step in NASA's accelerated drive to establish a lunar beachhead with landings in 2028, followed by construction of a moon base. —William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

The countdown is on for the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the moon. —Tom Costello, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

During a hold, expect the countdown clock and T Minus time to stop, while the L Minus time will continue. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for countdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown
• knockdown

Kids Definition

countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n 

: the process of counting off backward in fixed units (as seconds) the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)