first down

American  

noun

Football.

1. the first of four consecutive plays during which an offensive team must advance the ball at least ten yards to retain possession of it.

2. a gain of ten or more yards by an offensive team that entitles it to continued possession for a new series of downs.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

first down

In contrast, shares of Elon Musk company SpaceX fell 3.6%, extending losses after the rocket maker’s stock had its first down day Wednesday following its historic Nasdaq debut last week.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Among his most memorable moments, Walker defied logic and evaded multiple tackles to earn a first down from 3rd-and-17 in a key game against San Francisco that clinched the NFC West title.

From Barron's ● Feb. 7, 2026

Of Maye's 16 runs in the play-offs, 12 have gone for a touchdown or first down - Brady had the same kind of magic in his arm to lead his team's to glory.

From BBC ● Feb. 4, 2026

Brown was open over the middle for what could have been an easy first down, but the pass again bounced off his hands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

Thirteen yards to Robert Brown for a first down to the 40.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger