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
Still, Maye was able to make a miraculous pass for the first down, throwing against the grain.
—
Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Also during the past three seasons, the Eagles have scored 27 touchdowns and recorded 92 first downs using the play, according to ESPN.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Sutton became the rookie’s top target and best friend, setting career highs in targets (135), catches (81) and receiving first downs (57).
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2025
The play is essentially a quarterback sneak, but the entire team pushes the ball carrier to either gain a first down or for a touchdown.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for first down
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Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Also during the past three seasons, the Eagles have scored 27 touchdowns and recorded 92 first downs using the play, according to ESPN.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Sutton became the rookie’s top target and best friend, setting career highs in targets (135), catches (81) and receiving first downs (57).
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2025
The play is essentially a quarterback sneak, but the entire team pushes the ball carrier to either gain a first down or for a touchdown.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
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 18 Jun. 2025.
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