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

Fans in areas like upstate New York, southern Ohio and Colorado believed Allen got that first down and bemoaned the lack of technology to determine a first down. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2025

While cameras will replace the chain gang in determining whether the first down line-to-gain was reached—a major tech development for the league—live game officials will continue to spot the football between plays. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2025

Everett finished the season with only eight receptions for 36 yards and one first down. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Philadelphia’s defense sacked Mahomes a half-dozen times, and held KC to a single first-half first down. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Feb. 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