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 surprised the Dolphins by playing nickel defense — five defensive backs — on first down.
—
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
The Lamar High School graduate made arguably the biggest play of the game, helping slow down LenDale White for a stop on fourth-and-2 late in the fourth quarter — with Bush curiously not on the field — when a first down would’ve iced the game for USC and clinched its third straight national title.
—Greg Rajan, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
Hollins had five receptions on deep passes and converted eight of his nine catches on third or fourth down into first downs.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Darnold’s pass fell incomplete but Seattle picked up a first down due to a Rams penalty.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
The Lamar High School graduate made arguably the biggest play of the game, helping slow down LenDale White for a stop on fourth-and-2 late in the fourth quarter — with Bush curiously not on the field — when a first down would’ve iced the game for USC and clinched its third straight national title.
—Greg Rajan, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
Hollins had five receptions on deep passes and converted eight of his nine catches on third or fourth down into first downs.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Darnold’s pass fell incomplete but Seattle picked up a first down due to a Rams penalty.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first down
Cite this Entry
“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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