noun
countdown
KOWNT-down
noun
1
A count backward toward a set moment, especially a launch or the start of an event.
"The crowd chanted along with the countdown to midnight."
How to Use Countdown
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCounting backward toward zero before something happens.
Common pairings
countdown to launch
final countdown
begin the countdown
Word Forms
countdowned past tense, countdowns plural, countdowns singular
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The crowd chanted along with the _____ to midnight.
Etymology
From count + down, originally popularized by rocket launches.