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.
Mariah Carey is officially kicking off the countdown to Christmas! Becca Longmire, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Advent calendars tend to sell out fast, so make sure to grab yours before the countdown begins! Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Oct. 2024 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 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 28 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!