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.

---

Example Sentences

New England’s first three possessions of the half all ended without a first down.

From The Wall Street Journal

She’s focused doing what she does best: being first down the mountain at 80 miles an hour.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

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

The Seattle Seahawks needed just 5 yards for a first down during their opening drive of the NFC Championship this month when quarterback Sam Darnold spotted a colossal mistake by the Los Angeles Rams.

From The Wall Street Journal