playing field

noun

1

: a field for various games

especially : the part of a field officially marked off for play

2

: a set of conditions for competition

—usually used in such phrases as a level playing field

Examples of playing field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The jagged edges of the lower bowl almost spotlight the playing field like center stage. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

In her experience thus far, Earle said she’s picked up on how exactly the playing field for women leaders has changed over the last few years and the barriers that are not yet broken. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

The unusual circumstances that piqued the interest of casual players was hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime gift that would widen the playing field for gaming consumers. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Look, the playing fields haven’t been even in decades, the gap between the moneyed schools widening with each passing season. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for playing field

• battlefield
• unconcealed
• unrepealed
• unrevealed
• afield
• airfield
• annealed
• appealed
• brownfield
• coalfield
• concealed
• congealed

Kids Definition

playing field

noun

: a field for various games

especially : the part of a field marked off for play