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.
The playing field is somewhat more level for a team entering for the 2026 season than in previous years. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 After moving to Houston in the mid-1970s to become head coach of Texas Southern University, Paige pivoted from the playing field to the classroom and education — first as a teacher, and then as administrator and eventually the dean of its college of education from 1984 to 1994. CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 With a more even playing field, there has been a rise in three-point games. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 Both programs will want an even playing field at a neutral site, if possible. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 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 18 Dec. 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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