COUNTDOWN Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

countdown

[ kount-doun ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the backward counting in fixed time units from the initiation of a project, as a rocket launching, with the moment of firing designated as zero.
the final preparations made during this period.
a period of increasing activity, tension, or anxiety, as before a deadline.

countdown

/ ˈ�첹ʊ�Գ�ˌ�岹ʊ�� /

noun

the act of counting backwards to time a critical operation exactly, such as the launching of a rocket or the detonation of explosives

verb

to count numbers backwards towards zero, esp in timing such a critical operation

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of countdown¹

1950–55, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase count down

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Moments later comes a soldier's countdown, from five to 'Fire!', before a rocket roars into the sky.

From

With a home Rugby World Cup starting in August, the countdown begins to the ultimate prize in 2025.

From

With seven children under the age of 12, life most certainly had to go on in the Baldwin house, even in the countdown to trial.

From

The referee will raise their arm and start a visual countdown with their hand.

From

Already trialled in over 400 games in three different competitions, including the Premier League 2, referees will also warn the goalkeepers with a five-second countdown before they are penalised.

From

Browse