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

Seventy five percent of his catches in 2025 resulted in a first down or touchdown. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

At one point last season, Woods rushed for a first down in all three of his fourth-down attempts, The State noted. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026

Almost 80% of his 2025 receptions resulted in either a first down or TD. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Fields broke up a pass by quarterback Jaden Craig to avoid giving up a first down, and his best play came when Craig attempted a deep vertical slot fade to Major Everhart. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 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