countdown

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈkaʊˌntdaʊn/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The act of counting backward from a specified number to zero, typically used to mark the time remaining before an event, especially the launch of a rocket or spacecraft.; A period of time during which preparations are made for a significant event, often with a sense of anticipation or urgency.; A sequence of numbers counting down, often displayed on a timer or clock, indicating the remaining time before something occurs.; A television or radio program in which items are listed in order of popularity or importance, typically counting down from a high number to one.; The final phase of preparation before a critical operation or event, especially in military or aerospace contexts.
  2. verb
    To count backward from a specified number to zero, typically to mark the time remaining before an event.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: countdowns

Collocations

countdown tocountdown clockfinal countdowncountdown beginscountdown timercountdown sequence

Synonyms

timercount-backtick-down

Commonly confused

count down
EN: 'Countdown' (one word) is a noun; 'count down' (two words) is the phrasal verb meaning to count backward toward zero.

Spelling tips

EN: The noun is written as one word ('countdown'), while the verb is two words ('count down'). Do not write the noun as two words or the verb as one word.

💬 Examples

  1. The countdown to the rocket launch began at ten seconds.

  2. The countdown to the new year's celebration was filled with excitement.

  3. The countdown on the microwave showed thirty seconds remaining.

  4. The music countdown show listed the top forty songs of the week.

  5. The mission control team monitored the countdown closely for any anomalies.

  6. The crowd began to countdown from ten as the ball dropped on New Year's Eve.