Definition of "showdown" []

• An event, especially a confrontation, that forces an issue to a conclusion. (noun)
• Games The laying down of the players' cards face up to determine the winner of the pot in poker. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Chelsea's loss to Liverpool this month means the game can no longer be seen as the title showdown Carlo Ancelotti had been hoping, but with Arsenal in such close pursuit United can ill afford to drop points anywhere."
• "What will help is that United's next two opponents both have to win although, following the confused display at the Emirates last Sunday, Ferguson will also demand a response ahead of the title showdown as he guards against the danger that this evening's contest will be regarded as a procession - especially against a side who scored five goals against Inter Milan in the San Siro in the quarter-finals."
• "Wenger was asked whether it made things more special to effectively be in a title showdown with Ferguson's United."