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

This time, Smith got out of the pocket and hit a sliding Wilson for a 10-yard completion and a first down. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

The 49ers had the advantage in first downs (20-8), total plays (72 to 54) and rushing yards (146-68). — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Pacifica’s defense allowed only one first down in the first half. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026

Has a first down at the West Orange 16 yard line with 32 seconds left. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 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