Landfall

/ˈlændfɔːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The arrival of a spacecraft or celestial body on a planetary surface.
The rover's landfall on Mars marked a significant milestone in space exploration.
The point at which a storm, specifically a tropical cyclone, makes contact with land.
The hurricane made landfall on the coast just after midnight.
The act of arriving at land after a voyage over water.
The ship finally made landfall after weeks at sea.

Etymology

First known use in the early 15th century, combining 'land' and 'fall' meaning the act of reaching land.

Common Phrases and Expressions

make landfall
To arrive at land after a sea journey or when a storm reaches land.

Related Words

arrival
The act of coming to a place.
voyage
A long journey involving travel by sea or in space.
coast
The land next to the sea.

Slang Meanings

Hitting the beach.
We’re going to make a landfall at the beach party this weekend.
Arriving unexpectedly.
He made a landfall at my place without calling first.