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