A countdown is the counting aloud of numbers in reverse order before something happens, especially before a spacecraft is launched.
The countdown has begun for the launch of the space shuttle.
There were three more things to do before countdown.
2. countable noun
The countdown to an event is the period of time leading up to the event.
...the countdown to the next election. [+ to]
countdown in British English
(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
verbcount down(intr, adverb)
2.
to count numbers backwards towards zero, esp in timing such a critical operation
countdown in American English
(ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn)
US
noun
the schedule of operations just before the firing of a rocket, the detonation of an explosive device, etc.; also, the counting off,in reverse order, of units of time in such a schedule
Examples of 'countdown' in a sentence
countdown
There was a countdown clock ahead of them going on sale at 9am.
The Sun (2017)
It was most definitely the final countdown.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
His countdown clock is ticking to the end of the season.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
So now we begin the final countdown.
The Sun (2015)
All of which makes this a far more absorbing and instructive experience than your average festive countdown show.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
So the countdown begins in earnest.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The former Countdown maths whizz also had stitches in her forehead and eyelid.
The Sun (2013)
Just don't expect to see me out there before the final countdown.
The Sun (2015)
Yet in what is now an election countdown, ending such protections will be fiendishly difficult.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
These changes will provide the base before the intensity switches to the athletes for the final 18-month countdown.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
I think this is the final countdown here.
The Sun (2015)
The countdown begins in December.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
countdown
British English: countdown NOUN
A countdown is the counting aloud of numbers in reverse order before something happens, especially before a spacecraft is launched.
The countdown has begun for the launch of the space shuttle.