first down

noun

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Examples: first down in a Sentence

Definition of first down

1 : the first of a series of usually four downs 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

See first down defined for English-language learners

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 of first down from the Web

Usually the kings of the Big 33, Pennsylvania could not capitalize on in its drives and was often unable to convert a first down after moving close to the end zone.

— katherine fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "River Hill's Cooper McGeehan hits late field goal to give Maryland rare 9-6 win in Big 33 Classic," 16 June 2018
Give Fales the completion, on the other hand, and the Dolphins have a first down at Buffalo's 30 yard line with 50 seconds to complete the comeback.

— armando salguero, miamiherald, "The reasons David Fales might win the Miami Dolphins backup QB job | Miami Herald," 11 May 2018
Bob Haynes Special to the Star-Telegram Bowie Volunteers Ty DeArman (10) scrambles to pick a a first down as Arlington Martin plays Arlington Bowie on Sept. 29, 2017.

— brian gosset, star-telegram, "Polls are open for fan vote on the top Dallas-Fort Worth WR/TE in 2018 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 24 Apr. 2018
The Oregon State senior quarterback found a first down and got out of bounds during early 11-on-11 work.

— danny moran, OregonLive.com, "Jake Luton attempting to become comfortable sliding in wake of season-ending injury," 23 Apr. 2018
Slidell managed to finish the first down just eight despite committing six turnovers in the quarter.

— andrew scherer, NOLA.com, "St. Paul's 81, Slidell 63: Parker Edwards scores 32, as St. Paul's remains perfect in District," 10 Feb. 2018
But Foles stood in against the rush and chucked a dart to Zach Ertz for two yards and a first down.

— jeff mclane, Philly.com, "Nick Foles' Super Bowl trick play touchdown catch was one for the ages," 4 Feb. 2018
Bortles competed a third-and-long pass in New England territory that would have been a first down, but the Jags were called for a delay of game — after a timeout.

— nick canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Shocking: No one can figure out Patriots or Eagles," 21 Jan. 2018
The touchdown is going to come in his timing, but today was a first down.

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "Ryan Shazier shares photo from Steelers practice: I’m working to get back," 10 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'first down.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of first down

1885

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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FIRST DOWN Defined for English Language Learners

first down

noun

Definition of first down for English Language Learners

American football : the first of a series of usually four downs in which a team must gain 10 yards to keep the ball; also : the right to start a new series of downs after a gain of 10 or more yards