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

On first down, Jacoby Brissett's pass to Jalen Brooks was hauled in at the Rams 45-yard line. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

The 49ers outgained Washington 303 yards to 90 in the half but were held to three first downs and 72 yards after halftime. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Armstrong, appearing in his first NFL game as a rookie out of Cincinnati, hauled in a catch with an athletic play over the middle for 13 yards and a first down. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026

The Rams amassed over 400 total yards, gained 30-plus first downs, scored five touchdowns, converted 50 percent of their third downs, and committed zero turnovers against the Bills. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for first down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown