playing field

American  

noun

1. an expanse of level ground, as in a park or stadium, where athletic events are held.

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playing field British  

noun

1. a field or open space used for sport

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Etymology

Origin of playing field

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

playing field

With officiating at a breaking point, experts in school athletics are pushing for changes in the way sports officials are recruited, trained and, most important, treated on the playing field.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

But Ukraine has pioneered innovations that are tilting the playing field.

From Slate ● Jul. 10, 2026

“And insiders, who are trading in their own stock all the time, will have the information. This takes an already-unlevel playing field where Main Street investors are already disadvantaged, and makes it more unlevel.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

A cricket match had to be abandoned after a runaway bull stormed the playing field and charged at players.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

The playing field was laid out in a strict grid, no tunnels or mountains or jungles.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Related Words

• arena
• turf