first down

noun

plural first downs

: 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

: 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 49ers didn’t get a first down until their fourth possession, and the Chiefs failed to convert a first down on a fake punt. —

Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 As Bosa crashed from the outside, Mahomes ran around him on a zone read and gained eight yards and a first down — the key play in a game-winning touchdown drive that ended in a 3-yard pass to Mecole Hardman. —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 Baltimore’s offense did the damage at M&T Bank Stadium, with the unit totaling 484 yards and 28 first downs – compared to the Commanders’ 305 yards and 18 first downs. —

Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024 Nix scrambled for two critical first downs in the fourth quarter. —

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for first down

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.