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 Bears had 28 first downs and 281 yards on the ground in a 24-15 win at Philadelphia last season. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Miami quarterback Malik Willis led an attack that produced 19 first downs — on eight-for-16 third down efficiency — and a roughly 10-minute advantage in time of possession. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

The Cowboys had a first down at Baltimore’s 2 with 23 seconds to go but failed to score a touchdown. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Georgia held a 31-6 lead through three quarters despite being outgained 210 yards to 173 yards and the Sooners having 11 first downs to the Bulldogs 9. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 27 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