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.
Weather conditions and rough seas can influence whether SpaceX and NASA commit to undock from the ISS and target a specific splashdown site. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Jan. 2026 The project started with a simulated takeoff and concluded with a simulated splashdown. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026 The mountain’s best terrain could be found in the snow bowls beneath the 12,500-foot Kachina Peak, and accessing them required a 45-minute hike, paid off by the ensuing splashdown through airy powder. Michael Paterniti, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025 Both its stages, the Super Heavy booster and the Ship upper stage, successfully returned for pinpoint splashdowns. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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