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

The early move came after the stock’s first down day ever.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● 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

It gave Carter a twenty-five-yard gain and a first down at the Permian 27.

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