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
Eight yards, less than the distance needed for a football first down.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
The league has embraced advances in technology and artificial intelligence, including putting chips in footballs and using virtual measurements to determine first downs.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The 26-year-old played in just five games last season, finishing with 36 rushing yards and one first down.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Of Waddle’s 75 receptions during his first season playing opposite Hill and in Mike McDaniel’s offense, 60 went for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first down
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.
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
The league has embraced advances in technology and artificial intelligence, including putting chips in footballs and using virtual measurements to determine first downs.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The 26-year-old played in just five games last season, finishing with 36 rushing yards and one first down.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Of Waddle’s 75 receptions during his first season playing opposite Hill and in Mike McDaniel’s offense, 60 went for first downs.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
