first down
Americannoun
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the first of four consecutive plays during which an offensive team must advance the ball at least ten yards to retain possession of it.
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The move came after the stock’s first down day ever as shares dropped 5% Wednesday, closing at $191.82.
From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026
New England’s first three possessions of the half all ended without a first down.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 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
It was first down a side-alley that we saw more flame.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
