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.
Any new strike resets the 30-minute countdown and there is no limit to the delays. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 2026 The countdown is on to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding day. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 July 2026 With the first steel piles officially in the ground, the countdown to the plant’s 2029 operational debut is underway. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 The countdown to America's 250th anniversary is underway, and so is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. — Justin Adams, CBS News, 1 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 7 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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