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

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

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

Someone hoping to amass enough for their child’s first down payment on a car or a home, meanwhile, might find custodial accounts attractive.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 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