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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Eagles used it twice to pick up a first down near the 3-yard line, resetting the downs, and then ran it two more times to punch in a 1-yard touchdown for Hurts, giving the Eagles a 17–13 lead at the time. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Detroit outgained Washington by 40 yards and held a 30-27 advantage in first downs but still lost, largely because of five turnovers. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 After the Cardinals failed to pick up the first down, Ward led the Titans on a final drive capped by a walk-off field goal as time expired. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Southeastern drove in the final minute of the game to a first down at the Tech 18, but the Wonder Boy defense did its job. Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first down

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first down was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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