brownfield

¹ American  

[broun-feeld] / ˈbraʊnˌfild /

noun

1. an industrial or commercial site that is idle or underused because of real or perceived environmental pollution.

---

Brownfield ² American  

[broun-feeld] / ˈbraʊnˌfild /

noun

1. a city in NW Texas.

---

brownfield British  

/ ˈbraʊnˌfiːld /

noun

1. (modifier) denoting or located in an urban area that has previously been built on

   Hampshire has many brownfield developments

---

brownfield Scientific  

/ broun′fēld′ /

1. A piece of industrial or commercial property that is abandoned or underused and often environmentally contaminated, especially one considered as a potential site for redevelopment.

2. Compare greenfield

---

Etymology

Origin of brownfield

1975–80; brown + field

Example Sentences

Jay recalled the hype around King Charles' visit in 2013 as work took place to turn one of Europe's biggest brownfield sites into a thriving community.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

“AT&T has clearly made its case and not just with brownfield conversions but out-of-footprint M&A,” he wrote at the time.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025

Today, the former brownfield is a popular bird-watching spot.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

The government said it was part of its "brownfield first" approach and would create "vibrant" new communities.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2025

She cited new brownfield sites being cleared for housebuilding and investment in adult skills in colleges across the region as examples of visible upcoming delivery, as well as £5m for a youth scheme.

From BBC • May 8, 2025