downfield

adverb or adjective

down·​field ˈdau̇n-ˈfēld How to pronounce downfield (audio)
: in or into the part of the field toward which the offensive team is headed

Examples of downfield in a Sentence

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.
The Tigers really nibbled their way downfield on the last seven plays of the third quarter gaining between 4-10 yards. — Michael Casagrande | [email protected], al, 27 Nov. 2022 But with opponents rarely pairing their man coverage with a blitz, Huntley’s usually found a safety denying a field-flipping run downfield. — Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Dec. 2022 Most important, after falling into a rut offensively the past few years, the Huskies are playing an exciting brand of football that tests defenses downfield over and over. — Staff Writer follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2022 Although Raiola didn’t turn the ball over again, the Bears continued to pressure him all night, preventing him from going through his reads and using his prodigious arm talent to hit receivers downfield. — The Arizona Republic, 3 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for downfield

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downfield was in 1881

Rhymes for downfield

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Browse Nearby Words

downfaulted
downfield
downflow
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Cite this Entry

“Downfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfield. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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