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

Jim Harbaugh kept the offense on the field at the Chargers’ own 35 to pick up a first down on what would become a lead-extending touchdown drive. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

His second drop came on a crucial third-and-10 late in the fourth quarter that would have been enough for a first down. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

The Hornets also struggled to run the ball, generating 24 net yards, and managed just seven first downs. —Joe Davidosn, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Lopez didn’t complete a pass the rest of the half, and the Tar Heels were held without a first down on their next four drives. —David Ubben, New York Times, 2 Sep. 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