# showdown

/ˈʃoʊˌdaʊn/ (US) · /ʃˈəʊdaʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/showdown
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. final confrontation

noun · CEFR B2

a final fight or meeting that ends a long argument or competition and decides who wins.

For teachers: a final, decisive confrontation or contest between two opponents to resolve a dispute or determine a winner.

- The two political leaders are preparing for a final showdown on television tonight.
- After months of public disagreements, the board of directors and the CEO are heading for a dramatic showdown at the annual general meeting.

### 2. poker/cards

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the end of a card game where players show their cards to see who has the best hand.

For teachers: the final phase of a poker hand where remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner of the pot.

- He had been bluffing the whole time, so he was nervous when the game reached the showdown.
- Only two players remained for the showdown, at which point the challenger revealed a full house to take the entire pot.

## Examples

- The two teams are preparing for a final showdown this weekend.
- After weeks of public arguments, the mayor and the governor met for a televised showdown over the new tax law.
- The diplomatic standoff eventually culminated in a high-stakes showdown at the summit, where both leaders refused to concede on the primary territorial issue.

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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.