touchdown

noun

touch·down | \ ˈtəch-ˌdau̇n

Definition of touchdown

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the act of touching a football to the ground behind an opponent's goal specifically : the act of scoring six points in American football by being lawfully in possession of the ball on, above, or behind an opponent's goal line when the ball is declared dead

2 : the act or moment of touching down (as with an airplane or spacecraft)

touch down

verb

touched down; touching down; touches down

Definition of touch down (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to reach the ground : land

transitive verb

: to place (the ball in rugby) by hand on the ground on or over an opponent's goal line in scoring a try or behind one's own goal line as a defensive measure

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about touchdown

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Synonyms & Antonyms for touchdown

Synonyms: Verb

alight, land, light, perch, roost, settle

Antonyms: Verb

blast off, take off

Examples of touchdown in a Sentence

Noun

What was the plane's speed at touchdown?

Verb

the plane will touch down in about 30 minutes

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Tide gave up eight touchdown passes without an interception during that stretch. — John Zenor, The Seattle Times, "Nick Saban reloading defense with youthful Alabama team," 13 Apr. 2019 Stevens' hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Misner to cap a four-play drive. — Rich Torress, Indianapolis Star, "North extends winning streak to four in IFCA All-Star game," 13 July 2018 Mariota had his fewest yards passing with 2,528 yards last season and only 11 touchdown passes while being sacked a career-high 42 times. — Teresa M. Walker, The Seattle Times, "New coordinator, same offense for Marcus Mariota and Titans," 5 Feb. 2019 New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ted Ginn against the Atlanta Falcons. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "How Drew Brees Pushes the Limits of Quarterback Accuracy," 17 Jan. 2019 Twenty-one touchdown passes would match Steve Bono in 1995. — Blair Kerkhoff, kansascity, "The over/under on Patrick Mahomes TD passes for Chiefs is ... what??!," 5 June 2018 Chatty seat mates! Dizzying turbulence!), but trust: There's nothing like sleep—and a rejuvenated complexion—to lift your spirits upon touchdown. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "How to Take a Long Haul Flight—and Land Looking Totally Refreshed," 23 Aug. 2018 The drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Sony Michel to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead. — Jim Chairusmi, WSJ, "Patriots to Face the Rams in the Super Bowl," 21 Jan. 2019 Baldwin had two touchdown catches and had 77 yards receiving — the second most of his season — on four catches. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks lose Bradley McDougald, Jordan Simmons to injury vs. 49ers, but Baldwin returns with a vengeance," 16 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In town for Dior’s Pre-Fall menswear show, the supermodel touched down at Narita International Airport in a cream duster coat and black jumpsuit accented with an oversize scarf. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Kate Moss Puts a Supermodel Spin on Airport Style," 29 Nov. 2018 Before landing in Paris, Cardi touched down at Milan Fashion Week to attend Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2019 show over the weekend. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Cardi B Is Out Here Serving High Fashion LEWKS at Paris Fashion Week," 25 Sep. 2018 Elsewhere in Colorado, a rare high-elevation tornado touched down at the site of another wildfire Thursday but apparently caused little damage and had no effect on the fire. — Colleen Slevin, Fox News, "Fires menace US West, tornado touches Colorado wildfire site," 6 July 2018 Elsewhere in Colorado, a rare high-elevation tornado touched down at the site of another wildfire Thursday but apparently caused little damage and had no effect on the fire. — CBS News, "More than 60 large wildfires burning across U.S.," 6 July 2018 Elsewhere in Colorado, a rare high-elevation tornado touched down at the site of another wildfire Thursday but apparently caused little damage and had no effect on the fire. — Washington Post, "Colorado wildfire destroys 3 homes as flames menace US West," 5 July 2018 On July 7, Meek Mill will touch down at the Drai's Nightclub's rooftop stage at The Cromwell to kick off his first show during Summer League and will return for a few shows throughout the two-year residency, including a performance on July 21. — Nerisha Penrose, Billboard, "Meek Mill to Kick Off Drai's Nightclub Residency in Las Vegas This Summer," 21 June 2018 The Australian defender finally touched down in Portland in late April and was on the game day roster on her 18th birthday when the Thorns faced the Utah Royals on April 28. — Jamie Goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Teenage phenom Ellie Carpenter taking game to next level with Portland Thorns," 16 May 2018 Here to fuel your Saturday hair inspiration is model Irina Shayk who touched down in Miami Beach yesterday with a piecey low bun—one that directly recalled the effortless styles of royal mom-to-be, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Irina Shayk Takes Weekend Beauty Cues From Meghan Markle," 8 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'touchdown.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.