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
CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys signals for a first down after a play during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
—
Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
In 2024, Tagovailoa sustained a concussion against Buffalo after running head-first into safety Damar Hamlin while trying to get a first down.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
Of his 39 catches, 29 went for first downs — a team-high 74.4%.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
What’s more, the Steelers failed to score a first-drive touchdown all season, were awful in the red zone, were awful on first down, and mostly awful in short yardage.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
In 2024, Tagovailoa sustained a concussion against Buffalo after running head-first into safety Damar Hamlin while trying to get a first down.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
Of his 39 catches, 29 went for first downs — a team-high 74.4%.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
What’s more, the Steelers failed to score a first-drive touchdown all season, were awful in the red zone, were awful on first down, and mostly awful in short yardage.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 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 24 Jul. 2025.
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