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
The Ravens had just four first-half first downs en route to leading 14-6 at intermission.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
One is the defense, which held a white-hot Commodores offense to season lows in points, total yards, total plays, yards per play and first downs.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
The play worked as Jojo Stone, who was in motion, took a pitch and ran 12 yards around right end for the first down.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Wilson ran through traffic with a violent burst to pick up a first down and iced the game on a 6-yard run.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
One is the defense, which held a white-hot Commodores offense to season lows in points, total yards, total plays, yards per play and first downs.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
The play worked as Jojo Stone, who was in motion, took a pitch and ran 12 yards around right end for the first down.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Wilson ran through traffic with a violent burst to pick up a first down and iced the game on a 6-yard run.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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