How to Use first down in a Sentence

first down

noun
Definition of first downnext
  • The pass was completed for a first down.
  • They have first down on the 20-yard line.
  • Griffin takes the snap and runs ahead to the 16-yard line for a first down.
    — oregonlive, 12 Nov. 2022
  • Pacheco’s two runs picked up a first down and sealed the game.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2024
  • The Rams held the Big Blue to just two first downs in the first half, and that set the tone for the rest of the game.
    — Chris Vogt, The Enquirer, 19 Aug. 2023
  • The offense picked up the first down in that case and then put the game away.
    — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2022
  • If there’s blue (or red) light on the ball, first down.
    — Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2022
  • The Chiefs go three and out, failing to log a first down.
    — Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
  • Jack Sullivan takes the snap and goes five yards for the first down.
    — Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Jan. 2023
  • Sam Ehlinger tries to dive for a first down, but comes up just short.
    — Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Oct. 2022
  • The penalty gave the Chiefs a first down, all but sealed the game’s outcome and set up Olsen.
    — Josh Peter, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2023
  • But Coan and the Irish couldn't even get one first down and the Cowboys were able to hang on for the win.
    — David Brandt, ajc, 1 Jan. 2022
  • But Coan and the Irish couldn’t even get one first down and the Cowboys were able to hang on for the win.
    — Tom Noie, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Jan. 2022
  • Jack Colletto checks in, takes the snap and picks up the first down.
    — oregonlive, 22 Oct. 2022
  • Jones tried one sneak on first down that went for two yards.
    — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2022
  • The call backfired, as Bigsby was stuffed in the backfield and short of the first down.
    — Tom Green | [email protected], al, 24 Sep. 2022
  • One of them is that the Gators converted just one first down in the first half.
    — Joseph Goodman | [email protected], al, 23 Nov. 2022
  • Seattle led by 22 points at the time and needed a first down to run out the clock.
    — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2022
  • On third-and-9 from midfield, the Chiefs needed a first down to run out the clock.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2024
  • The Texans have not gained a first down and 13 total yards.
    — Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Sep. 2022
  • Drive fizzled when missed wide open Javonte Williams for first down in the flat.
    — Sarah Kelly, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024
  • It’s the fourth time this season Brissett has used the QB sneak for a first down.
    — Terry Pluto, cleveland, 22 Sep. 2022
  • After one first down, the Broncos will get the ball for the first time to start the second half.
    — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2024
  • Then the Raiders gashed the Chargers defense for a first down to put them in field-goal range?
    — Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2022
  • Hurts lined up for a sneak and was shoved forward just far enough for a first down.
    — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2023
  • Mayden keeps it, runs left, cuts upfield and has the first down.
    — Ndaschel, oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2023
  • Acker used his speed to give the Badgers a first down at the Gophers 13.
    — Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2022
  • The penalty gave Kansas City a first down on the Eagles' 11.
    — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 12 Feb. 2023
  • On a third and ten play in the third, Tagovailoa scrambled 13 yards and slid for the first down, much to the delight of the crowd.
    — Wayne Sterling, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Nix missed tight end Adam Trautman for a likely first down on third-and-10, too, on the opening march.
    — Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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