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
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.
Douglas popped up immediately, rising with the crowd at his back and signaled for a first down. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025 CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys signals for a first down after a play during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023... Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Elijah Arroyo, Miami Arroyo is a receiver in a tight end’s body, with 71.4 percent of his catches in 2024 resulting in a first down or touchdown. Joseph Person, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys signals for a first down after a play during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for first down

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first down was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“First down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20down. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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