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

Set against the backdrop of Levi’s Stadium, the official FIFA World Cup countdown clock began ticking down from 365 days on Wednesday morning, signaling the approach of the world’s biggest soccer tournament that’s coming to the Bay Area next year. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

The 2026 World Cup is exactly one year away — and the tournament is kicking off the 365-day countdown in a killer way. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025

Complete with a replica of the original set staged inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, the tribute brought back fan-favorite hosts Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Big Tigger, and Terrence J to honor the iconic music countdown show that shaped an era of Black culture. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 June 2025

The iconic music video countdown program 106 & Park will receive special recognition during the ceremony. —Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

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)