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 Packers held a 274-82 advantage in total yards in the first half and a 13-4 edge in first downs.
—
Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Green Bay had 13 first downs going into the half.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Despite a few breakdowns by the O-line, the Commanders managed to rack up 432 yards of total offense and 25 first downs.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The Colts flooded the middle of the field hoping Tagovailoa would gift them the ball trying to covert the first down.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Green Bay had 13 first downs going into the half.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Despite a few breakdowns by the O-line, the Commanders managed to rack up 432 yards of total offense and 25 first downs.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The Colts flooded the middle of the field hoping Tagovailoa would gift them the ball trying to covert the first down.
—Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2025.
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