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, noun use of verb phrase count down

Example Sentences

It is the countdown for one of England's most reliable attacking launchpads - the driven line-out.

From BBC

In the countdown to the 2010 Rugby World Cup, her hair began to fall out.

From BBC

In that time, a countdown appeared on her website that corresponded to the episode’s release.

From Salon

The record was simultaneously made available for pre-order on her website - which also had a countdown clock to the moment when she would appear on the podcast.

From BBC

Word arrived after a countdown clock to 12:12 a.m. — an apropos debut for news of her 12th album.

From Los Angeles Times