countdown

American  

[kount-doun] / ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn /

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.

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countdown British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of countdown

1950–55, noun use of verb phrase count down

Example Sentences

The anxious countdown to the Washington meeting has been going on for days.

From BBC

The clip concludes with text promising the X-Men will return in “Avengers: Doomsday” before fading into the countdown to the film’s release.

From Los Angeles Times

Hours ahead of the countdown, hundreds of thousands of people flocked towards the harbour, with many official viewing areas filling to capacity by early evening.

From BBC

PST, the program will air live starting in New York and continue with countdowns in Chicago, Las Vegas and elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

The teaser ends with the words “Steve Rogers will return for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’” appearing on the screen before showing a countdown to the movie’s release.

From Los Angeles Times