countdown

noun

count·​down ˈkau̇nt-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
Synonyms of countdownnext
: 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.
Now the countdown to the official start of summer begins — and Mayor Brandon Johnson has unveiled his own travel plans. Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026 Now on with the countdown lol) and sitting down with a cup and my morning dose of Screencaps. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 The best scenario, and one that has played out in other host nations as anxieties increase during the countdown, is that the on-field drama of the games is compelling enough to keep attention on the players and their teams. Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 Every generation of technology produces its own countdown to catastrophe. Ed Leavens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countdown. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on countdown

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster