how did we get so far afield from the subject we intended to discuss?
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.
Many of the best adaptations range far afield from the source material.—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 For those looking to go further afield, Ras Abrouq is a magical cape on the west coast of Doha, under an hour and a half’s drive from the city.—Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026 His situation alerted suitors in England and further afield, with Chelsea and Aston Villa among the 20-year-old’s long-term admirers.—David Ornstein, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 But as a result, geopolitical tremors are rippling across Northeast Asia — and as far afield as the US — and there doesn’t appear to be an off-ramp.—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afield
Word History
Etymology
Middle English afelde, going back to Old English on felda, on felde, from onon entry 1 + felda, felde, dative of feldfield entry 1
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of afield was
before the 12th century