playing field
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of playing field
First recorded in 1575–85
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The European Union on Saturday said the restrictions had "contributed to an uneven playing field" in the vote.
From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026
She says her aim is to "level the playing field", adding the singles tax is particularly high when it comes to housing.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
But now, more states are leveling the playing field.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
The playing field “is an extension of the classroom. If you wouldn’t act that way in your kid’s math class, then your behavior isn’t appropriate at a game.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
The red trucks entered the playing field, rode toward one end in twin clouds of dust, sunlight reflecting off their hubcaps.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.