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View synonyms for countdown

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. to count numbers backwards towards zero, esp in timing such a critical operation
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of countdown1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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