red zone

noun

: the area of a football field inside an opponent's 20-yard line

Examples of red zone in a Sentence

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.
That said, the Lions came away with four touchdowns on five red zone trips. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The new red zone will see local police presence enhanced around the clock alongside a military presence. Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Kansas City started in Seattle territory after a 57-yard kickoff return by Brashard Smith, but the drive stalled on a holding penalty in the Seattle red zone. ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 On third-and-10 near Tampa Bay’s red zone, Fields scrambled for 15 yards, but three plays later, some indecisiveness led to a 20-yard sack, turning a 24-yard field goal into a 45-yarder. Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red zone

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red zone was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red zone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20zone. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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