splashdown

noun

splash·​down ˈsplash-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce splashdown (audio)
plural splashdowns
Synonyms of splashdownnext
: 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.
All eyes were in the sky, and the Pacific Ocean, this month as viewers around the world kept tabs on NASA's Artemis II launch, mission and splashdown. Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Three days prior to the crew’s splashdown, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated that his blood pressure would remain high until the crew returned to Earth. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026 Reid Wiseman, the mission commander, revealed that he was supposed to leave the plushie toy mascot, known as Rise, behind in the Integrity Orion space capsule following the crew's splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on Friday, April 10. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 In the hours after splashdown, space wonks noticed a large, unusual-looking white patch on the otherwise dark and scorched heat shield. Denise Chow, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splashdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splashdown. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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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