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

How often does a team earn a 30-3 advantage in first downs, like the Chiefs did in Sunday’s rout of the Raiders? —Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

The unit creates plenty of havoc that could get through a struggling Mizzou offensive line, but the likes of running back Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts might not have as many problems in converting first downs. —Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025

The Trojans, in regulation’s final series, picked up a pair of first downs to the Eagles’ 37-yard line. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025

Last season, 13 of Washington’s 26 catches resulted in first downs. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

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