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.

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Brownfield ² American  

[broun-feeld] / ˈbraʊnˌfild /

noun

1. a city in NW Texas.

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brownfield British  

/ ˈbraʊnˌfiːld /

noun

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

   Hampshire has many brownfield developments

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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

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Etymology

Origin of brownfield

1975–80; brown + field

Example Sentences

The arena forms part of the Brabazon Park project, the redevelopment of brownfield land on the Bristol and South Gloucestershire border.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 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

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

Under the government's new planning framework previously developed land - known as "brownfield" sites - will be prioritised for new homes.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025