1
a(1)
: an open land area free of woods and buildings
(2)
: an area of land marked by the presence of particular objects or features
dune fields
b(1)
: an area of cleared enclosed land used for cultivation or pasture
a field of wheat
(2)
: land containing a natural resource
oil fields
(3)
: airfield
c
: the place where a battle is fought
also
: battle
d
: a large unbroken expanse (as of ice)
2
a
: an area or division of an activity, subject, or profession
the field of microbiology
b
: the sphere of practical operation outside a base (such as a laboratory, office, or factory)
geologists working in the field
c
: an area for military exercises or maneuvers
d(1)
: an area constructed, equipped, or marked for sports
a football field
(2)
: the portion of an indoor or outdoor sports area enclosed by the running track and on which field events are conducted
(3)
: any of the three sections of a baseball outfield
hits to all fields
3
: a space on which something is drawn or projected: such as
a
: the space on the surface of a coin, medal, or seal that does not contain the design
b
: the ground of each division in a flag
c
: the whole surface of an escutcheon (see escutcheon sense 1)
4
: the individuals that make up all or part of the participants in a contest
The election attracted a large field of candidates.
especially
: all participants with the exception of the favorite or the winner in a contest where more than two are entered
5
: the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument
6
a
: a region or space in which a given effect (such as magnetism) exists
a magnetic field
a gravitational field
b
: a region of embryonic tissue capable of a particular type of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3)
a morphogenetic field
7
: a set of mathematical elements that is subject to two binary operations the second of which is distributive (see distributive sense 3) relative to the first and that constitutes a commutative (see commutative sense 2) group under the first operation and also under the second if the zero or unit element under the first is omitted
8
: a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior
9
: a series of drain tiles and an absorption area for septic-tank outflow
10
: a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which the same type of information is regularly recorded
: of or relating to a field: such as
a
: growing in or inhabiting the fields or open country
b
: made, conducted, or used in the field
c
: operating or active in the field
fielded; fielding; fields
1
a
: to catch or pick up (something, such as a batted ball) and usually throw to a teammate
Practice fielding ground balls as much as you can. Work on keeping the ball in front of you.—
Michael Goldman
Michael Goldman
b
: to take care of or respond to (something, such as a telephone call or a request)
She has been fielding offers from potential buyers.
c
: to give an impromptu answer or solution to
the senator fielded the reporters' questions
2
: to put into the field
field an army
field a team
also
: to enter in competition
: to play as a defensive player stationed in the field
Examples of field in a Sentence
Noun
He gazed out across the fields.
She hopes to find work in the health field.
She is a pioneer in the field of genetic research.
a lawyer who is eminent in his field
working in his chosen field
a fascinating field of endeavor
Verb
The shortstop fielded the ground ball.
a shortstop who fields his position flawlessly
Last week she fielded two offers on her house.
His secretary will field requests for more information.
The senator fielded the reporters' questions.
They expect to field a strong team this year.
the greatest fighting force that any nation has ever fielded
Recent Examples on the Web
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Aside from the injuries, Watson contended with some high-profile issues away from the football field.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 31 Mar. 2023
Fullerton put Allen ahead in the fifth minute, chipping in a goal off a precise cross-field pass from the right side by Sam Sheffield.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2023
Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
In his 90-minute session, Casten fielded more than a dozen questions from audience members.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for field
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.
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Noun
In 65 games, the former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging 17.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from three in 31.6 minutes.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Aside from the injuries, Watson contended with some high-profile issues away from the football field.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Irving jumped to an early lead in the third minute as a sharp cross-field pass from the right side by Milton Lopez intended for Centeno was knocked in by an Allen defender for an own goal.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 31 Mar. 2023
Fullerton put Allen ahead in the fifth minute, chipping in a goal off a precise cross-field pass from the right side by Sam Sheffield.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2023
Verb
Like last year, the Padres, despite Tanner Scott’s defection to the Dodgers, are fielding a shutdown bullpen: San Diego’s relievers have combined for a major-league-leading 1.51 ERA.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
In his 90-minute session, Casten fielded more than a dozen questions from audience members.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for field
Cite this Entry
“Field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/field. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
field
1 of 3 noun1
a
: an open land area free of woods and buildings
b
: an area of cleared land used especially for planting crops
c
: a piece of land put to some special use or yielding some special product
an athletic field
a gas field
d
: a place in which military operations are carried on
e
: an open space
a field of ice
2
a
: an area of activity or influence
the field of science
b
: the area of practical activity outside a laboratory, office, or factory
earth scientists working in the field
3
: a background on which something is drawn, painted, or mounted
painted white stars on a blue field
4
: the individuals that make up all or part of a contest
a race with a large field of runners
5
: a region or space in which an effect (as gravity, electricity, or magnetism) exists
6
: the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument
7
: a particular area (as of a record in a database) in which some type of information is regularly recorded
field
2 of 3 verb
: to catch or stop and throw a ball to a teammate
the shortstop fielded the ground ball
field
3 of 3 adjective
: of or relating to a field
Medical Definition
field
noun1
: an area or division of an activity
a doctor eminent in her field
2
: a complex of forces that serve as causative agents in human behavior
3
a
: a region of embryonic tissue potentially capable of a particular type of differentiation
a morphogenetic field
b
: a region or space in which a given effect (as magnetism) exists
4
a
: an area that is perceived or under observation
especially
: the area visible through the lens of an optical instrument see visual field
b
: the site of a surgical operation
Biographical Definition
Field
2 of 3biographical name (2)
Eugene 1850–1895 American poet and journalist
Field
3 of 3biographical name (3)
Marshall 1834–1906 American merchant
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