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
Liam Berlien was credited with smothering the ball, giving his team a first down at the East Ridge 7-yard line.
—
Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
So in that vein, on first downs this season, the Chiefs have confronted the second-most light boxes (run-friendly).
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Hill has 15 receptions for 198 yards and a touchdown in three games; 12 of those have gone for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Even then, Summit came up just three yards shy of making a first down.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
So in that vein, on first downs this season, the Chiefs have confronted the second-most light boxes (run-friendly).
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Hill has 15 receptions for 198 yards and a touchdown in three games; 12 of those have gone for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Even then, Summit came up just three yards shy of making a first down.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
Cite this Entry
“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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