first down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized (Sports), occasionally metaphorical in business/informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “first down” mean?
The first of a series of four attempts (downs) an offensive team has in American/Canadian football to advance the ball 10 yards and retain possession.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first of a series of four attempts (downs) an offensive team has in American/Canadian football to advance the ball 10 yards and retain possession.
Achieving a minimum necessary gain to continue progress toward a goal; a successful initial step or position from which further progress is expected.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to North American football and is rarely used in a UK sporting context. In the UK, the concept is alien; rugby and soccer have different gameplay structures. In metaphorical use, it would be understood but marked as an Americanism.
Connotations
In the US: Strong connotations of achievement, momentum, and opportunity. In the UK: A borrowed, niche American sports term with no native sporting equivalent.
Frequency
High frequency in US sports media and casual sports conversation. Extremely low frequency in British English, except in coverage of American football.
Grammar
How to Use “first down” in a Sentence
[Team/Player] got a first down on [play/yard line].It's [ordinal number] and [distance] for a first down.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first down” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- (Rare and informal) 'The quarterback first-downed it with a scramble.'
adjective
American English
- A first-down conversion, first-down yardage, a first-down run.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'Securing the client's commitment was our first down; now we need to develop the full proposal.'
Academic
Rare, except in sports science or cultural studies of American sport.
Everyday
Primarily in discussions of American football. 'Did they get the first down?'
Technical
Precise use in football strategy, officiating, and statistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first down”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first down”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first down”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They first-downed the ball').
- Using it for a score (it's not a touchdown).
- Assuming it's understood in non-American sporting contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The structure of 'downs' is unique to American and Canadian football. Rugby has phases (rucks/mauls), and soccer has continuous possession.
In strict technical terms, no. It is a noun. However, in very casual sports commentary, you might hear informal verb usage (e.g., 'He first-downed it'). This is non-standard.
A first down is a milestone that retains possession by gaining 10 yards. A touchdown is a score worth 6 points, achieved by entering the opponent's end zone with the ball.
Metaphorically, to indicate a crucial initial success that creates the opportunity and momentum for further progress, similar to securing a new set of attempts in football.
The first of a series of four attempts (downs) an offensive team has in American/Canadian football to advance the ball 10 yards and retain possession.
First down is usually specialized (sports), occasionally metaphorical in business/informal contexts. in register.
First down: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get to first base (related metaphor, but for romantic/initial success)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of moving DOWN the field in four attempts. The FIRST successful one that gets you 10 yards is your FIRST DOWN, giving you a new set of four.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT IN A GAME / AN OPPORTUNITY IS A NEW SET OF DOWNS.
Practice
Quiz
In American football, what does 'first down' primarily signify?