To count backward toward zero, or to eagerly await an upcoming event.
To count backwards from a big number to zero, or to wait excitedly for something to happen.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To count backward from a given number to zero, especially before a significant event.
"Mission Control began counting down from ten as the rocket sat on the launchpad."
Three, two, one — we have ignition.
— NASA Apollo 11 launch broadcast, 1969
To eagerly anticipate an upcoming event by tracking the remaining time.
"The children were counting down the days until Christmas."
To count in a downward direction — fully transparent.
To count backwards from a big number to zero, or to wait excitedly for something to happen.
Used both literally (rocket launches, New Year's Eve) and figuratively (counting down to a holiday, exam). The noun 'countdown' is very common.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "count down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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