Touchdown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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touchdown

[หˆtสŒสงdaสŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports football

A touchdown is a scoring play in American football, worth six points, achieved when a player carries the ball into the opposing team's end zone or catches it there. It marks a significant moment in the game when a team successfully crosses the goal line.

Synonyms

goal, points, score.

Examples of usage

  • The team celebrated after scoring a touchdown.
  • He rushed for a 30-yard touchdown.
  • The quarterback threw a touchdown pass.
  • They will receive seven points for a touchdown and an extra point.
Context #2 | Noun

aviation landing

In aviation, a touchdown refers to the moment when an aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing. It is a crucial phase in the flight operation, requiring precision and skill from the pilot.

Synonyms

arrival, landing.

Examples of usage

  • The pilot announced the touchdown as they landed.
  • Smooth touchdown is vital for passenger comfort.
  • A rough touchdown can lead to damages.
  • The plane's wheels touched down safely.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports Culture

  • In American football, a touchdown is worth six points, and itโ€™s often accompanied by a celebratory dance or gesture from the scoring player.
  • Many fans enjoy watching 'touchdown celebrations,' which have become a form of entertainment in the sport, showcasing creativity and flair.

Psychology

  • The thrill of a touchdown often spikes adrenaline in players and fans alike, creating a shared emotional experience during games.
  • Celebrating a touchdown releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone, reinforcing the joy of scoring and encouraging teamwork among players.

Global Influence

  • While 'touchdowns' are specific to American football, similar scoring plays exist in rugby and Canadian football, showcasing the sport's diverse adaptations.
  • Internationally, American football has inspired formations for other sports, influencing tactics and team strategies worldwide.

Pop Culture

  • Touchdowns have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, symbolizing victory and triumph, such as in the film 'Remember the Titans.'
  • Super Bowl Sunday, known for its halftime shows and commercial breaks, often highlights memorable touchdown moments that become cultural touchstones.

Origin of 'touchdown'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'touchdown' originates from the combination of 'touch' and 'down,' referring to the ball needing to touch the ground within the end zone.
  • It became popular in American football in the early 20th century, evolving from earlier scoring systems in various football games.

The term โ€˜touchdownโ€™ has its origins in American football, first used in the late 19th century. It combines the words 'touch' and 'down,' reflecting the action of touching the ball to the ground in the end zone or the act of a player scoring by grounding the ball. Initially, a touchdown did not have the scoring value it holds today; it was more of a method to keep the game flowing and indicate that a play had been completed. The scoring system evolved over time, and by the 1910s, touchdowns began to acquire their current value of six points. The term also found relevance in aviation, symbolizing the moment of landing, highlighting the dual significance of the word in both sports and flight contexts.