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

And Malik Nabers flat dropped a sure first down on fourth-and-4 with two minutes and change left. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

In one of the most pivotal plays of the game, Walker wheeled out of the catch and lunged for the first down. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Vele added seven catches for 69 yards, including difficult diving grabs for a touchdown and a first down on a subsequent scoring drive. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Dart lobbed an easy pass to the veteran, who ran for 13 yards and the first down. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 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