# touchdown

/ˈtətʃˌdaʊn/ (US) · /tˈʌtʃdaʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/touchdown
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. aircraft landing

noun · CEFR B2

the exact moment when an aircraft or spacecraft touches the ground during landing.

For teachers: the moment at which an aircraft or spacecraft makes initial contact with the landing surface.

- The passengers cheered at the moment of touchdown after the long flight.
- Mission control confirmed a successful touchdown on the lunar surface at exactly 04:00 UTC, following a complex descent sequence.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the event generally.

### 2. American football score

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a way of scoring six points in American football by carrying the ball into the end of the field.

For teachers: a scoring play in American or Canadian football worth six points, achieved by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.

- The star player scored a touchdown in the final minute to win the game.
- The quarterback's precision pass allowed the wide receiver to secure a touchdown, effectively sealing the championship victory for the home team.

Usage: Commonly used with the verb 'score'.

### 3. tornado contact

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the moment a tornado touches the ground.

For teachers: the point at which a funnel cloud makes physical contact with the earth's surface.

- The news reported a tornado touchdown just outside the small town.
- Meteorologists tracked the storm's path, noting the exact coordinates of touchdown where the most significant structural damage occurred.

Usage: Typically used in meteorological reports or news coverage of storms.

## Examples

- The pilot announced a smooth touchdown in London.
- Passengers began to applaud immediately after the touchdown on the rain-slicked runway.
- Mission control confirmed a successful touchdown on the lunar surface, marking the first time a private vessel had landed safely without human intervention.

---

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.