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

We all had sweaty palms during the countdown, but the rockets fired perfectly at 9:47 a.m., and amid the fire and smoke as the rocket lifted off, Glenn was launched into the atmosphere!

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The CMA has said it is looking into practices including pressure selling, drip pricing, and misleading countdown clocks as part of its investigations.

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A countdown clock marks the time until the election results will be announced.

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"We're now on a countdown of just months to that law coming in - so good landlords can get ready and bad landlords should clean up their act," he added.

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After a dramatic countdown on giant screens, MrBeast appeared on stage surrounded by flames, lasers, confetti and a swarm of shining drones to intense applause.

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