Of an aircraft, to land or make contact with the ground; in American football, to score a touchdown.
When a plane lands, its wheels touch the ground — that moment is called touching down.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(Aviation) Of an aircraft or spacecraft, to make contact with the ground and land.
"The plane touched down at Heathrow twenty minutes ahead of schedule."
The Eagle has landed. Tranquillity Base here — the Eagle has landed.
— Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11 moon landing, NASA transmission, July 1969
(American football) To score a touchdown by carrying the ball across or into the opponent's end zone.
"The running back touched down in the final seconds to win the game."
To make physical contact with the ground by moving downward.
When a plane lands, its wheels touch the ground — that moment is called touching down.
In aviation, 'touch down' refers specifically to the moment an aircraft's wheels meet the runway. Also used in American football when a player carries the ball across the goal line to score. The noun form 'touchdown' is written as one word. Both uses are very well known.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
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