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.
Toronto Star via Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays face what CEO Mark Shapiro describes as a fundamentally uneven playing field. Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 24 Oct. 2025 The ban also includes using smokeless tobacco products in bathrooms, pedestrian walkways, dining spaces, spectator seating areas, training rooms, playing fields, locker rooms and vendor areas, according to the ordinance. Dana Afana, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025 After Texas engaged in redistricting that added five new GOP seats to the delegation, California is working to alter its maps to write out five vulnerable House Republicans as a countermeasure to even the playing field. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025 Now, Daniel Jones is not Patrick Mahomes, so that evens the playing field a little bit. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 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 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

playing field

noun
: a field for various games
especially : the part of a field marked off for play
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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