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 receiver turned around and made the catch, and the Rams advanced on a first down. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2025

But on first down the next time the Patriots got the ball, Maye pitched out to Henderson who swung around the left side to run for an 18-yard gain. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025

Topline The first full week of the NFL preseason kicked off Thursday with a slate of three games, providing more teams and fans a look at some new rules that can impact first down measurements, touchbacks and more. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

In the early stages of the night, Coleman had two bad drops, one of which went right through his hands on what would have been a big gain and easy first down on a third-and-9 in team drills. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 2 Aug. 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