What does landfall mean?
Landfall is the arrival on land after a journey across water or through the air. In maritime language, it often refers to the first sight of land from a ship, as in making landfall at dawn. The term can also denote the landing point itself, particularly for ships and aircraft. Its familiar expression, “make landfall,” means to reach land or come ashore. Although the word is most closely associated with sea travel, it is used in aviation and expedition narratives whenever a journey ends at a distant shore. Landfall carries a practical and often slightly dramatic sense: after uncertainty, distance, and possible danger, the traveller has finally reached a definite destination. The word is also occasionally used as a verb, though the noun is far more common.
The arrival of a ship, aircraft, or traveller on land after a journey over water or through the air; also the land or landing place first reached or sighted.
"The aircraft made landfall on a remote island after the storm."
Especially used in maritime, aviation, and travel contexts.
To reach or come ashore on land, especially after travelling by sea or air.
"The expedition landfalled at a small harbour at sunset."
This use is relatively uncommon in modern English; the noun is more usual.
The plural is used for separate arrivals or instances of reaching land, especially in accounts of voyages or expeditions.
"The ship's landfalls at distant ports became a regular part of the trading route."
In maritime speech, landfall means more than reaching land: it is the moment the sea voyage gives way to solid ground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does landfall come from?
The word is a compound of land and fall, developed in English during the early modern period for the act of coming to land after a sea journey. Its history is closely connected with maritime navigation, where making landfall was a decisive event after a long voyage. The element land comes from Old English land, referring to ground, territory, or a country, while fall reflects an earlier sense of arriving or coming to rest.
How landfall is actually used
The expression is especially common in maritime, aviation, and travel contexts. As a verb, landfall is relatively uncommon and means to reach or come ashore.
Easily confused with landfall
A landfall is the arrival on land, whereas a landslide is a rapid movement of earth or rock down a slope.