field guide

noun

: an illustrated manual for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna in nature

Examples of field guide in a Sentence

a field guide to the birds
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.
Local extension offices, online field guides and plant identification apps can help confirm a stiltgrass infestation. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025 His new book, Deep Future, is a field guide to transformative technology and paradigm-shattering thinking. Robert C. Wolcott, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Welcome to another edition of your regular field guide to a world of Only Good Movies. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 Download apps In the digital age, apps have made birding easier than paging through field guides by offering step-by-step processes that narrow down a list of possible birds or identify a bird by its song. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for field guide

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of field guide was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Field guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/field%20guide. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

field guide

noun
: a small book with words and pictures for identifying plants, animals, or natural objects (as rocks) that are found in nature
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