landing

noun

land·​ing ˈlan-diŋ How to pronounce landing (audio)
1
: an act or process of one that lands
especially : a going or bringing to a surface (such as land or shore) after a voyage or flight
2
: a place for discharging and taking on passengers and cargo
3
: a level part of a staircase (as at the end of a flight of stairs)
4
landings plural : the amount of fish or shellfish landed annually in a particular area

Examples of landing in a Sentence

The plane made a smooth landing. The helicopter had to make an emergency landing. The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings. Landing in high winds can be dangerous. Our plane was cleared for landing. We stopped to rest at the first floor landing. I waited at the landing for the ferry.
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.
Ehlers, 29, is taking his time deciding on his landing spot. Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 But after the additions of Porter and Brown, Denver may not be the landing spot for Robinson. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 For weeks, the Bulls have been connected to the Golden State Warriors as a potential landing spot for Jonathan Kuminga. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 Read more: Knicks Showing Interest in Sleeper Free Agent Guard: Report Stein also named the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves as potential landing spots for Westbrook. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for landing

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landing was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Landing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/landing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

landing

noun
land·​ing ˈlan-diŋ How to pronounce landing (audio)
1
: the action of one that lands
2
: a place (as a wharf) for unloading or taking on passengers and cargo
3
: the level part of a staircase (as between flights of stairs)

More from Merriam-Webster on landing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!