showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
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
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.
Every aspect of that towel was on display in a Big Ten showdown-turned-clobbering. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025 The star receiver has apparently contracted some sort of illness, and has been added to the injury report ahead of the Saints showdown. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 Senate Democrats on Friday voted to block a Republican stopgap spending measure that would keep the government open through late November, setting up a perilous showdown with just days before federal funding lapses and no clear path to prevent a partial shutdown. Nik Popli, Time, 19 Sep. 2025 The Blue Devils host NC State this Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium in a 4 pm ACC showdown on ESPN2. Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

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