first down

noun

plural first downs
1
: the first of a series of usually four downs (see down entry 5 sense 3a) in which a football team must net a 10-yard gain to retain possession of the ball
2
: a gain of a total of 10 or more yards within usually four downs giving the team the right to start a new series of downs

Examples of first down in a Sentence

They have first down on the 20-yard line. The pass was completed for a first down.
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.
Through six weeks, Indianapolis paces the NFL in points, first downs, scoring percentage and time per drive. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 For the first time in five drives, Lakeville South earned multiple first downs. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 Stopping a team on third down only to have a penalty grant the opponent a first down is self-destructive – and would be especially so against Mater Dei if the Monarchs offense gets it together. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025 The Patriots' seven play-action passes yielded 77 passing yards, four first downs and a touchdown. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first down

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first down was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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