showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n 

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

Dozens of protesters showed up specifically in support of Ukraine, following Vance and President Trump’s showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House on Friday. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025

The real showdown, however, is between Dorit and Sutton. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025

This Wednesday’s showdown between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal promises to be intriguing. —Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

The Terps have just one more game after Wednesday against a team currently ahead of them in that race — a March 5 contest at Michigan — increasing the importance of this showdown with the Spartans, who Maryland hasn’t beaten since 2022. —Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showdown

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

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute