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
ˈkau̇nt-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce countdown (audio)
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.
The daily calendar displays a week at a time, allocating categories for birthdays, anniversaries and countdowns, and allowing you to color-code these events and even set alarms as reminders. — New Atlas, 7 July 2026 After London, Harry will head north to Birmingham to mark the one-year countdown for the Invictus Games, which will be hosted in the city next July. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The countdown has begun on these deals, so quit overthinking! — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026 Harry is due to return to his home country to mark the one year countdown to celebrations of his Invictus Games, scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2027. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 July 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

Rhymes for countdown

See All Rhymes for countdown

Browse Nearby Words

count calories
countdown
countenance
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Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countdown. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for countdown

Nglish: Translation of countdown for Spanish Speakers

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