countdown
word
/ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn/
KOWNT-down
/kˈaʊntdaʊn/
KOWNT-down
Definition
The act of counting backwards to zero to mark the time before something important happens, such as a launch or the start of an event.
Usage & Nuances
'Countdown' is often used for dramatic moments, like launches, New Year, or competitions. It can refer to both the process ('the countdown begins') and the spoken sequence. Not used to describe general waiting time.
Spanish: cuenta regresivaPortuguese (BR): contagem regressivaPortuguese (PT): contagem decrescenteChinese (Simplified): 倒计时Chinese (Traditional): 倒數計時Hindi: उलटी गिनतीArabic: العد التنازليBengali: গণনা - উল্টো গণনাRussian: обратный отсчётJapanese: カウントダウンVietnamese: đếm ngượcKorean: 카운트다운Turkish: geri sayımUrdu: الٹی گنتیIndonesian: hitung mundur
Example Sentences
The app shows a live countdown to your birthday.
natural
There was excitement as the countdown hit zero and the fireworks started.
natural
The countdown will start at ten seconds.
basic
We watched the rocket countdown on TV.
basic
The students did a countdown before the race.
basic
We joined the countdown for the New Year in the city square.
natural