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 had two passes intercepted — including one that was returned for a touchdown — and lost a fumble.

From Los Angeles Times

Colby Parkinson has 43 catches, eight for touchdowns, both career bests.

From Los Angeles Times

But after Chambliss carried the Bulldogs to the Division II national title last season—racking up 26 touchdowns with his arm and 25 with his legs—college football’s most valuable secret was out.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, the Jets managed none—while allowing 36 passing touchdowns.

From The Wall Street Journal

Young connected on touchdown passes of 35, 33 and 43 yards in that game.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• goal
• score
• six points