count down

Count backward from any number to zero to indicate time, as in The final seconds before take off were counted down: 10, 9, 8, etc . The down in this term refers to the decreasing size of the numbers. This usage originated in connection with the firing of missiles and spacecraft and has since been broadened to such events as the roll call of states at a political convention. [c. 1950]
Make final preparations for an event, as in Hong Kong was counting down to the day when it became part of mainland China . This usage is derived from def. 1. [Late 1950s]

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Example Sentences

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The victory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, extends the Red Roses' winning run to 25 games as they count down to the home Rugby World Cup that starts in August.

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The second season of “Andor” is a ticking clock counting down to the Galactic Civil War that launched “Star Wars.”

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Just ask seven-year-old Oliver, who's spent the past week of his school holidays waking his dad, Paul, at 6:30 to eagerly count down the days.

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CBS’ addition to the oeuvre casts Morris Chestnut as a modern version of John Watson investigating rare medical conditions, most with a ticking clock counting down to death.

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Only one thing is really certain – whatever happens, when Nintendo's announcement is over, we'll be left counting down the days to the console's actual release… whenever that may be.

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countdown Dracula, Count

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