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
Each team gets four downs to pass mid-field for a first down.
—
John Lawson, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
Sirianni likes to say that every first down for the Eagles is first-and-9.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
And if nothing was available, Allen constantly threatened to make things happen with his legs and pick up a first down or more.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Needing a first down to seal the victory, Perine lined up in the backfield behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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John Lawson, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
Sirianni likes to say that every first down for the Eagles is first-and-9.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
And if nothing was available, Allen constantly threatened to make things happen with his legs and pick up a first down or more.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Needing a first down to seal the victory, Perine lined up in the backfield behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
Articles Related to first down
Cite this Entry
“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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