First Down Definition & Meaning

American

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.

Wonnum recovered the fumble, and the Panthers managed to run out the clock after Young connected on a 10-yard pass to Coker for a first down.

From Los Angeles Times

Coming up a yard short of the first down, Iamaleava tried to draw USC offsides with a hard count on fourth down before kicker Mateen Bhaghani trotted onto the field for a 38-yard field goal.

From Los Angeles Times

The Sea Dragons allowed just one first down on the Roughnecks’ first two possessions, and the Seattle offense took advantage of good field position on its second drive.

From Seattle Times

After getting only one first down on the next three drives, Daniel was able to lead the Bolts on a late scoring drive in the second quarter to tie it at 14 going into halftime.

From Seattle Times

He showed his running ability and toughness when he broke four tackles on a scramble for a 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.