countdown

[ kount-doun ]

noun

1. 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.
2. the final preparations made during this period.
3. a period of increasing activity, tension, or anxiety, as before a deadline.

countdown

/ ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn /

noun

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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of countdown¹

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

Example Sentences

There’s the promise of privacy, but it comes with a countdown.

From Washington Post

To add a special pop to your countdown, give HGTV’s confetti pinata a spin.

From Popular-Science

The warning soon changed to a 15-minute countdown, prompting some residents to flee.

From Washington Post

I was surprised by how nervous I was, watching the countdown clock tick down to launch.

From MIT Technology Review

Former Councilman Scott Sherman famously had a countdown of the number of days he had left in office.

From Voice of San Diego

Dickens greeted the crowd, gave a few tips and instructions, then led us in a countdown from ten to one.

From The Daily Beast

From Will Ferrell crashing a World Cup rally to a cliff dive Slip ‘n Slide, WATCH our countdown of this week’s buzziest videos.

From The Daily Beast

From Kimmel and Kanye burying the hatchet to a telekinetic coffee shop surprise, WATCH our countdown.

From The Daily Beast

The Countdown is on, but, as Kate knows, babies come when they are ready...

From The Daily Beast

Or did I remember them creating a countdown calendar to the release date?

From The Daily Beast

By agreement, the countdown was to be broadcast to all aircraft over one of the airport frequencies.

From Project Gutenberg

"Four minutes to final countdown," blockhouse control replied.

From Project Gutenberg

From the loud-speaker atop the massive block-house came the countdown.

From Project Gutenberg

I strap down on the couch which fills half the compartment, countdown begins and at zero the floor is suddenly down once more.

From Project Gutenberg

During my countdown of five seconds you will build up to the greatest possible potential.

From Project Gutenberg