down and distance

noun

The game situation described using the current scrimmage down and the yardage required to either the line to gain, or the goal line if no line to gain exists.

“The choice to punt at this down and distance is unusual.”

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Meanings

noundown and distance (plural downs and distances)

plural downs and distances

  1. American footballThe game situation described using the current scrimmage down and the yardage required to either the line to gain, or the goal line if no line to gain exists.

    The choice to punt at this down and distance is unusual.

Cite this entry
APA

down and distance. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/down%20and%20distance

MLA

“down and distance.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/down%20and%20distance. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “down and distance,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/down%20and%20distance.

Source: down and distance on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.