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.
They are made up of a top plate and a heat shield, which is jettisoned before splashdown. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 Wednesday's splashdown will not be webcast. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 June 2026 The trip would conclude with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 That is according to airspace and maritime warning notices telling pilots and sailors to steer clear of the Starfall splashdown zone. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026 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

Rhymes for splashdown

See All Rhymes for splashdown

Browse Nearby Words

splash dam
splashdown
splasher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splashdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splashdown. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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