splashdown

noun

splash·​down ˈsplash-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce splashdown (audio)
plural splashdowns
: the landing of a crewed spacecraft in the ocean
splash down intransitive verb

Examples of splashdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ditto for the splashdown, in which actual parachutes and a prop capsule were tossed out of a helicopter to shoot the scene. ArsTechnica, 29 June 2025 Their return is scheduled sometime during the second week of July, and will be dependent, in part, on weather in the Dragon's splashdown zone. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 June 2025 The Dragon capsule, developed by Elon Musk's commercial spaceflight company to deliver cargo and crews to the orbital outpost, will then embark on a long voyage ending with a splashdown landing Friday, May 23, off the coast of California. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The mission aims to dock with the station the day after launch and then spend about two weeks on board before returning for splashdown off the California coast. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for splashdown

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of splashdown was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Splashdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splashdown. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

splashdown

noun
splash·​down ˈsplash-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce splashdown (audio)
: the landing of a spacecraft in the ocean

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