left field

noun

1
: the position of the player defending left field
2
: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from the plate
3
a
: a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion)
they were really out in left field with that idea
b
: a source of the unexpected or illogical
that question came out of left field
left fielder noun

Examples of left field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bader, the best of the other free-agent outfielders, could fit short term, even with the Mets wanting to keep center field or left field open for rookie Carson Benge. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 The roof was open, as were the huge window panels behind what typically is left field at loanDepot Park — home of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins. CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 The roof was open, as were the huge window panels behind what typically is left field at loanDepot Park — home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins. Tim Reynolds, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026 Andy Pages running over Kiké Hernández to record the final out of the ninth inning in left field, a scene that has since been immortalized on T-shirts and Christmas ornaments. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for left field

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of left field was in 1857

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Left field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left%20field. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

left field

noun
1
: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from home plate
2
: the position of the player defending left field
left fielder noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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