old field

noun

1. land no longer under cultivation because the fertility of the soil has been exhausted.

Word History and Origins

Origin of old field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1625–35

Example Sentences

Sassafras, with its mitten-shaped leaves, typically moves into forest clearings and old fields—or an unmowed slope in a cemetery reimagining itself as it reaches its 200th birthday.

From Popular-Science

In the meantime he had got, and been glad to get, a subordinate post in his old field.

From Project Gutenberg

This gave her heart, and she went on more swiftly, till she reached a kitchen where an old field mouse was baking a cake.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it not better to find new values in the old field than to pursue superficial values in a succession of new fields?

From Project Gutenberg

They were engaging the batteries at Camp Chalmette, the old field of Jackson's renown.

From Project Gutenberg

After resting a few hours we were formed in line of battle across an old field with only Lowry's brigade on our left.

From Project Gutenberg