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.
New England’s first three possessions of the half all ended without a first down.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 9, 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
He cut up the middle and broke past several tacklers for an eight-yard gain and a first down.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
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.
