splashdown: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyTechnical / Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “splashdown” mean?
The landing of a spacecraft or capsule in a body of water, especially the ocean, at the end of a space mission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The landing of a spacecraft or capsule in a body of water, especially the ocean, at the end of a space mission.
In a broader, often figurative sense, it can refer to a dramatic or highly publicized arrival or debut, particularly of a new product, service, or project.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use it primarily in historical/space contexts. Figurative use is slightly more common in marketing/journalism, arguably more so in American English.
Connotations
Evokes nostalgia for the Apollo era. Figurative use connotes a high-profile, orchestrated launch event.
Frequency
Extremely low in daily conversation. Frequency spikes in historical documentaries, news reports on space missions, and tech/marketing journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “splashdown” in a Sentence
The [spacecraft] made/achieved/had a splashdown in the [ocean].[Spacecraft] is scheduled for splashdown at [time].The [company] hopes for a successful splashdown for its new [product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “splashdown” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Apollo 15 splashdown was broadcast live on the BBC.
- Mission control confirmed the splashdown location was within the target zone.
American English
- The Gemini capsule's splashdown in the Atlantic went smoothly.
- NASA's live feed showed the historic splashdown.
verb
British English
- The capsule is expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean. (Phrasal verb)
American English
- After re-entry, the Dragon spacecraft will splash down off the Florida coast. (Phrasal verb)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new smartphone made its splashdown to rave reviews at the tech conference.'
Academic
Historical/Engineering: 'Post-mission analysis of Apollo 11's splashdown confirmed the capsule's structural integrity.'
Everyday
Rare. Mostly in recounting historical events or discussing space news: 'We watched the documentary about the astronauts' splashdown.'
Technical
Precise: 'The recovery team coordinates with mission control for optimal splashdown and egress conditions.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “splashdown”
- Using it for any water landing (e.g., a seaplane). It is strongly tied to spacecraft. Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'The rocket will splashdown'). The verb form is rare and non-standard; use 'make/have a splashdown' or 'splash down' (verb phrase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used less frequently as modern crewed missions (e.g., SpaceX, Soyuz) primarily use land touchdowns. However, it is still the correct term for any crewed spacecraft designed to land in water and is used historically.
The standard verb form is the phrasal verb 'to splash down' (e.g., 'The capsule will splash down'). Using 'splashdown' as a single-word verb (e.g., 'The capsule will splashdown') is considered non-standard, though occasionally seen in informal journalism.
'Splashdown' specifically denotes a landing in a body of water. 'Touchdown' is a more general term for landing, most often on land (e.g., an aircraft or spacecraft on a runway).
Yes, especially in business and tech journalism, to describe the high-profile launch or debut of a product, service, or company, implying a dramatic and attention-grabbing entry into a market or field.
The landing of a spacecraft or capsule in a body of water, especially the ocean, at the end of a space mission.
Splashdown is usually technical / journalistic in register.
Splashdown: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsplæʃdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsplæʃˌdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Product/Project] made a successful splashdown on the market.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the big SPLASH a spacecraft makes when it comes DOWN into the ocean.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY ENDS (ARRIVAL) IS A LANDING IN WATER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'splashdown' MOST appropriately used?