touchdown
UK: ˈtʌtʃ.daʊn | US: ˈtʌtʃ.daʊn
n. (in American football) the act of scoring by carrying or catching the ball in the opponent’s end zone.
n. (aviation) the moment when an aircraft lands on the ground.
n. (general) a successful achievement or arrival at a goal.
The word "touchdown" originated in the mid-19th century, combining "touch" (from Old French tochier, meaning "to make contact") and "down" (from Old English dūn, meaning "hill" or "lower position"). In American football, it literally refers to "touching the ball down" in the opponent’s end zone to score. Later, it was adopted in aviation to describe the moment of landing, emphasizing the contact between the aircraft and the ground. The term’s logic reflects a physical or metaphorical "arrival" at a target.
The quarterback celebrated after scoring a touchdown in the final minute.
The pilot announced a smooth touchdown despite the windy conditions.
Completing the project on time felt like a professional touchdown.
The crowd erupted as the team secured their third touchdown.
The spacecraft’s touchdown on Mars was broadcast live worldwide.