red zone

noun

: the area of a football field inside an opponent's 20-yard line

Examples of red zone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Eagles tied it on a 1-yard sweep by Dallas Goedert, their red zone go-to ace with 11 TD receptions who became the first tight end to rush for a score in NFL postseason history. Dan Gelston, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026 There’s a dose of gallows humor about an offense whose biggest call for credit was its red zone efficiency ending the season on the 21-yard line. Zach Berman, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 The Packers and quarterback Jordan Love had a chance to come back with a late drive in the fourth quarter, and nearly reached the brink of Chicago's red zone. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026 The Bears won despite starting the game 1 of 5 on fourth down, failing to recover three fumbles by the Packers, and converting only 2 of 5 red zone opportunities for touchdowns. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red zone

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red zone was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red zone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20zone. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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