# count down

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/count-down
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to count numbers backward to zero, usually to show that something is about to start.

For teachers: to recite numbers in reverse order to mark the time remaining before an event occurs; often used intransitively or with a specific time period as the object.

## Examples

- The crowd begins to count down from ten.
- Fans gathered in the square to count down the final seconds of the year.
- As the mission control team began to count down, a heavy silence fell over the room in anticipation of the historic launch.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They counted down for the launch." but "They counted down to the launch." — use 'to' to indicate the event that happens at the end of the counting.

## Usage notes

- often used with the preposition 'to' for the event or 'from' for the starting number.
- Teaching tip: point out that while it often refers to literal numbers, it can also be used figuratively to mean waiting with excitement for a future date.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.