First Down Definition & Meaning

Definition

Examples

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead of gaining a first down, Simpson fumbled on a hit by Hoosiers cornerback D’Angelo Ponds.

From Los Angeles Times

The Hoosiers gained more than twice as many yards and had one fewer first down than the Tide had yards rushing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Crypto appears to be having its first down year since 2022 over a combination of fears over the 4-year Bitcoin cycle and macro environment,” a team at Cantor, the financial services giant, wrote in research published this week.

From Barron's

Instead of falling to the ground for the sack — a potential sixth overall — Herbert connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston for the first down.

From Los Angeles Times

The Texans were up, 14-0, before the Chargers got their initial first down.

From Los Angeles Times

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.