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.
Solid drive ends in fumble The Hurricanes put together a solid drive, marching into the Ohio State red zone. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 Plus, their offense has fallen from 60 percent red zone efficiency to 36 percent over the past three games. Vic Tafur, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2025 But, of course, no team is trying to lose on game day and the Giants showcased that right in the first quarter after a clutch interception by linebacker Bobby Okereke as Geno Smith and the Raiders’ offense were moving in the Giants’ red zone. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025 The Patriots got down inside their red zone, but went backwards on a 3-yard loss by TreVeyon Henderson and again on a 1-yard sack when Maye ran out of bounds. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025 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 6 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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