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.
Ship 40, the upper stage that flew on Starship's Flight 13 test launch, performed the vehicle's first successful intact ocean splashdown at the end of its mission on July 24, after lifting off from SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The vehicle also sustained damage during the tip-over after splashdown. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 The festival also featured food trucks, vendors and a watch party to view the splashdown. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 During the most recent flight, the vehicle deployed 20 Starlink satellites before returning to Earth, although a fire did briefly break out following splashdown. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

splash dam
splashdown
splasher
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Cite this Entry

“Splashdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splashdown. Accessed 20 Aug. 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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