touchdown

American  

[tuhch-doun] / ˈtʌtʃˌdaʊn /

noun

1. Football. an act or instance of scoring six points by being in possession of the ball on or behind the opponent's goal line.

2. Rugby. the act of a player who touches the ball on or to the ground inside his own in-goal.

3. the act or the moment of landing.

   the aircraft's touchdown.

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touchdown British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌdaʊn /

noun

1. the moment at which a landing aircraft or spacecraft comes into contact with the landing surface

2. rugby the act of placing or touching the ball on the ground behind the goal line, as in scoring a try

3.  TD.  American football a scoring play worth six points, achieved by being in possession of the ball in the opposing team's end zone See also field goal

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verb

1. (of a space vehicle, aircraft, etc) to land

2. rugby to place the ball behind the goal line, as when scoring a try

3. informal to pause during a busy schedule in order to catch up, reorganize, or rest

Etymology

Origin of touchdown

First recorded in 1860–65; touch + down ¹

Example Sentences

He led the league in touchdown passes and yards passing and was voted All-Pro.

From Los Angeles Times

Four of his touchdowns have come in Maye's first ever playoff run, including three in a dominant win over the Houston Texans.

From Barron's

Of Maye's 16 runs in the play-offs, 12 have gone for a touchdown or first down - Brady had the same kind of magic in his arm to lead his team's to glory.

From BBC

Darnold didn’t waste the opportunity: He finished the season in the top five in passing yardage and touchdown throws while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

From The Wall Street Journal

A punt return for a touchdown by Seattle’s Rashid Shaheed on Dec. 18 ultimately led to McVay firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• goal
• score
• six points