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 biggest review of the game was a fumble in the third quarter that gave the Longhorns a first down. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026

In addition to a 9-yard TD run last week, Kleinhans had five runs for first downs. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Detroit had a fake punt go for an 11-yard pass completion and a first down in the second quarter when punter Jack Fox threw to wide receiver Tay Martin in front of cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Another a lunging, one-handed grab for a first down on 3rd and 10. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 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