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

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

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

A team that used to churn out Heisman Trophy winners suddenly seemed lucky to pick up a first down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Neil, first down the ladder and therefore the first human to step on another planet, found he had no difficulty at all in walking on the moon.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins