touch·down
ˈtəch-ˌdau̇n 
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)
touched down; touching down; touches down
: to reach the ground : land
: 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
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
Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Running back Bill Davis is a top rusher in the conference with 190 yards and two touchdowns so far, followed by Zylan Perry’s 140.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
According to Navajo Nation police, the tornado was reported to have touched down, affecting at least three homes.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchdown
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Noun
The preseason play wasn’t encouraging, and Canales’ decision to rest the starters in the exhibition finale looks even more puzzling in hindsight, especially after the offensive group produced three three-and-outs and one touchdown drive.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Running back Bill Davis is a top rusher in the conference with 190 yards and two touchdowns so far, followed by Zylan Perry’s 140.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
After the plane touched down, a motorcade stood ready to escort Kirk's casket to Hansen Mortuary Chapel near Seventh Street and Northern Avenue.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
According to Navajo Nation police, the tornado was reported to have touched down, affecting at least three homes.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for touchdown
Cite this Entry
“Touchdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touchdown. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
touchdown
1 of 2 noun
touch·down
ˈtəch-ˌdau̇n
1
: the act of touching a football to the ground behind an opponent's goal
2
: the act of scoring six points in American football by carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line
3
: the act or moment of touching down (as with an airplane or spacecraft)
touch down
2 of 2 verb(ˈ)təch-ˈdau̇n
: to reach the ground : land
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