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
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.
These two teams are, very clearly, on two very different playing fields in terms of talent. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 By abstaining from economic espionage, the United States has tilted the playing field against itself and magnified the Chinese threat. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 The ball would not have left the playing field nor would it have been caught. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 That base offered numerous recreational opportunities — beaches, playing fields, golf courses, movie theaters, restaurants and bars — many of which were located on an island at the harbor’s entrance solely devoted to R&R. — Roger Archibald, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playing field

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of playing field was circa 1584

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playing field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playing%20field. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

playing field

noun
: a field for various games
especially : the part of a field marked off for play
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster