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
Humphrey gained 17 yards and the first down, putting Denver into field-goal range.
—
Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025
The Rainbow Warriors made five first downs on the 61-yard drive.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
Two of his three catches were deep crossers that went for first downs.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
And looked like play clock hit zero on that Jags' converted first down.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025
The Rainbow Warriors made five first downs on the 61-yard drive.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
Two of his three catches were deep crossers that went for first downs.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
And looked like play clock hit zero on that Jags' converted first down.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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