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
San Francisco had 14 first downs in the first half, while the Bears had one.
—
Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
On first down, Osceola RB Jeffrey Sinophat ran it in standing up to give the Kowboys a 21-7 lead.
—Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2024
On first down, after surveying the field, Winston tried to check down to his tight end Jordan Akins.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Each team had 10 first downs, the Ravens had 169 yards to the Eagles’ 164, and both teams had 30 plays with the Ravens averaging 5.6 yards per play and the Eagles 5.5.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first down 
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.
Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
On first down, Osceola RB Jeffrey Sinophat ran it in standing up to give the Kowboys a 21-7 lead.
—Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2024
On first down, after surveying the field, Winston tried to check down to his tight end Jordan Akins.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Each team had 10 first downs, the Ravens had 169 yards to the Eagles’ 164, and both teams had 30 plays with the Ravens averaging 5.6 yards per play and the Eagles 5.5.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first down
Articles Related to first down
Dictionary Entries Near first down
Cite this Entry
“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share