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
All five of his receptions went for first downs and gained 114 yards.
—
Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
The Colts caught Denver slipping a couple of times in the first quarter, running the ball with Taylor on third and long, resulting in a first down.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 16 Dec. 2024
The Dolphins receiver, who has been used sparingly this season, ran a slant route and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a quick pass to him for a first down.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
The ball came out as Robinson was knocked to the ground, but senior linebacker Colin Ramos jumped on the fumble to ensure Navy picked up the crucial first down.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
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Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
The Colts caught Denver slipping a couple of times in the first quarter, running the ball with Taylor on third and long, resulting in a first down.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 16 Dec. 2024
The Dolphins receiver, who has been used sparingly this season, ran a slant route and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a quick pass to him for a first down.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
The ball came out as Robinson was knocked to the ground, but senior linebacker Colin Ramos jumped on the fumble to ensure Navy picked up the crucial first down.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first down
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Cite this Entry
“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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