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

Willis completed a back-shoulder pass to Douglas on a wheel route for a first down. — Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

The two connected shortly thereafter on a play-action pass for a first down. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 31 July 2026

In his first season with the Chiefs, Thornton in 2025 set career highs in touchdowns (three), catches that resulted in a first down (15) and receiving yards (438) in 2025. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

His first touch of the football in a competitive game was a jet sweep that went for nine yards and a first down. — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 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