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
The league attempted to have a digital system help with ball placement, considering many were upset during a would-be first down attempt for the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.
—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Speaking of officiating, the NFL continues to deny conspiracy theories that the league and its game officials are favoring the Chiefs — despite that play in the AFC Championship Game in which three officials were lead-blocking for Patrick Mahomes on a first down scramble.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
Bills fans at Highmark Stadium couldn’t believe history was repeating itself, as Mahomes and the offense picked up the necessary first down to seal victory.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Josh Allen leaps over the top on fourth down to get the HUGE Bills first down!!!
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
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Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Speaking of officiating, the NFL continues to deny conspiracy theories that the league and its game officials are favoring the Chiefs — despite that play in the AFC Championship Game in which three officials were lead-blocking for Patrick Mahomes on a first down scramble.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
Bills fans at Highmark Stadium couldn’t believe history was repeating itself, as Mahomes and the offense picked up the necessary first down to seal victory.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Josh Allen leaps over the top on fourth down to get the HUGE Bills first down!!!
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
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 16 Feb. 2025.
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