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

However, be aware that there appears to be some challenges coming at you out of left field bringing you a bit of sorrow: either situations involving romance, artistic projects or hobbies or something with children. —Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Dec. 2025

In keeping with the show’s absurd plot twists, the final two episodes of season one came straight out of left field. —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 12 Dec. 2025

Center field, left field and first base are certainly options for him. —Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

This is another really fascinating book that’s just out of left field that science people might like: this is called Anaximander, [about a philosopher] credited as the person who invented Western science in the first place. —Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for left field

• afield
• airfield
• annealed
• appealed
• brownfield
• coalfield
• concealed
• congealed
• cornfield
• downfield
• goldfield
• hayfield

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