English Reference
noun

landing

n.
US /ˈɫændɪŋ/ UK /lˈændɪŋ/ land·ing UK spelling landings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Aviation

    the act of an airplane or spacecraft arriving on the ground.

    the process or act of an aircraft or spacecraft coming to rest on a surface after a flight.

    Simple

    The pilot made a very smooth landing despite the strong winds.

    In context

    The emergency landing was executed with remarkable precision, ensuring that all passengers were evacuated safely before the fire crews arrived.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    the flat area at the top of a set of stairs or between two sets of stairs.

    a level area at the top of a flight of stairs or a platform between two flights of stairs.

    Simple

    I left my suitcase on the landing outside the bedroom door.

    In context

    The architect designed a spacious landing to serve as a transition point between the grand staircase and the upper-floor gallery.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a place where a boat reaches the shore, or the act of arriving by boat.

    a place on a shoreline where a vessel may discharge passengers or cargo; also the act of coming to shore.

    Simple

    We tied the boat to the wooden landing and walked into town.

    In context

    The small fishing village grew around a natural landing that provided shelter from the rough Atlantic swells.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a military action where soldiers arrive on land from the sea or air.

    an amphibious or airborne military operation involving the arrival of troops on enemy territory.

    Simple

    The museum has a large exhibit about the D-Day landings in France.

    In context

    Strategic planners spent months coordinating the amphibious landings to ensure the infantry had sufficient air support during the initial breach.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Fishing

    the total amount of fish caught and brought back to land.

    the quantity of fish or other aquatic organisms brought ashore by a fishing vessel or fleet.

    Simple

    The local port reported record landings of tuna this season.

    In context

    Environmental regulations were tightened after annual landings of cod fell below the sustainable threshold for three consecutive years.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'landings'.

Previous seasons: the stories of the first Moon landing, Apollo 13 and the Space Shuttle.

BBC News· 11 Apr 2026

Figure caption, Why isn't Artemis II landing on the Moon?

BBC News· 5 Apr 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated