1. rolling grassy hills or uplands
Usage: often capitalized when referring to specific geographical areas
2. four attempts allowed to a team in American football to advance the ball ten yards
Usage: sports terminology
3. periods of difficulty, sadness, or failure
Usage: usually used in the phrase ‘ups and downs’

Examples

• The sheep grazed peacefully on the rolling downs.
• We hiked across the South Downs in England.
• The team had three downs to make a first down.
• It’s third down and five yards to go.
• Life has its ups and downs.
• She’s been through many downs lately.
• The chalk downs stretched for miles.
• They punted on fourth down.