Definition

1. Noun:
   • The first sighting of land from the sea after a voyage: The act of sighting or reaching land, especially for the first time during a sea journey or a flight over water.
   • The land first sighted on such an occasion: The specific point or area of coastline that is first seen or reached.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • After three weeks at sea, the crew celebrated their landfall on the distant island.
  • The pilot reported landfall as the coast of Ireland appeared through the clouds.
  • Making a good landfall was crucial for ancient navigators to verify their course.

Advanced Usage

• "To make landfall": This is the most common verb phrase used with the noun. It means to arrive at or sight land, especially after a journey over water.
  • The hurricane is expected to make landfall near the city tomorrow morning.
• "A good/bad landfall": Refers to the accuracy or outcome of reaching the intended point of land.
  • The captain's skill ensured a good landfall exactly at the planned port.

Variants and Related Words

• Landing (n): The act of coming to land, especially of an aircraft or ship. While related, "landing" is a broader term for the final act of arrival, whereas "landfall" specifically emphasizes the first sighting or arrival point.
• Sighting (n): The act of seeing something. "Landfall" is a specific type of sighting.

Synonyms

• Arrival at land: A more general phrase for reaching land.
• Sighting of land: Emphasizes the visual aspect.

Related Phrases

• Make landfall: As described in 'Advanced Usage', this is the standard phrasal construction.
  • The explorers made landfall on a previously uncharted beach.

Notes on Meaning

The term is most frequently used in the contexts of maritime navigation, aviation over water, and meteorology (e.g., describing where a storm reaches the coast). Its core meaning consistently relates to the initial contact with land from a perspective over water.

Noun

1. the first sighting of land from the sea after a voyage (or flight over water)
2. the seacoast first sighted on a voyage (or flight over water)