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

That led to some scary moments for those in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium, but after the Colts picked up two first downs, Kansas City’s defense bore down around midfield and regained possession. — Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

After failing to convert on a first down, the Knights settled for a 29-yard field goal by Will Stone to take a 10-0 lead. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Small’s early catches came in key moments with two, including his 17-yard touchdown in the second quarter, coming on third-and-long conversions and another being a crucial first down with TCU backed up near its own end zone. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Rasean Jones quickly becoming a favorite target It’s been awhile since Boise State had the type of receiver who could fall on his backside and still make a catch for a first down. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 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