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 26-year-old played in just five games last season, finishing with 36 rushing yards and one first down.
—
Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Of Waddle’s 75 receptions during his first season playing opposite Hill and in Mike McDaniel’s offense, 60 went for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
That’s twice as many first downs as any other running back in the league.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
Holani, in those two games, had four catches for 34 yards and generated two first downs.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Of Waddle’s 75 receptions during his first season playing opposite Hill and in Mike McDaniel’s offense, 60 went for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
That’s twice as many first downs as any other running back in the league.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
Holani, in those two games, had four catches for 34 yards and generated two first downs.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
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 23 Mar. 2026.
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