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
Example Sentences
They have first down on the 20-yard line. The pass was completed for a first down.
Recent Examples on the Web Of course, there’s a chance the Dolphins were looking for the penalty and free first down. 
Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Khalil Herbert went for 10 yards on first down on a simple inside zone play. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 After picking up one first down, quarterback Justin Herbert indeed took a knee for the win, which was fitting and ironic because Herbert stood tallest for the Chargers on offense. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2022 The Browns blew a chance to widen their lead after Mayfield’s big TD pass, managing just one first down and punting from their 44. cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 Alabama managed just 34 yards and one first down the rest of the first half as the offense looked rattled at best. Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2022 Five targets is not enough for Pearsall, whose 4 catches for a team-high 67 yards all went for first down. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 Wilde was first down the red carpet, followed by Styles and finally Pugh. Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, the Liberty defense allowed just one first down not via penalty. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2022 See More
Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Khalil Herbert went for 10 yards on first down on a simple inside zone play. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 After picking up one first down, quarterback Justin Herbert indeed took a knee for the win, which was fitting and ironic because Herbert stood tallest for the Chargers on offense. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2022 The Browns blew a chance to widen their lead after Mayfield’s big TD pass, managing just one first down and punting from their 44. cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 Alabama managed just 34 yards and one first down the rest of the first half as the offense looked rattled at best. Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2022 Five targets is not enough for Pearsall, whose 4 catches for a team-high 67 yards all went for first down. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 Wilde was first down the red carpet, followed by Styles and finally Pugh. Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, the Liberty defense allowed just one first down not via penalty. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1