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

"If the playing field was tilted, the least you can do is ask the question."

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

“If we have a level playing field upon which to shoot, where we are not much more expensive than other locations, productions will come back to Los Angeles.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

The league institutes certain “max” salaries —collectively bargained with the players’ union—ensuring that teams are on a roughly level playing field as they court players and build rosters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

"This is not a trade conflict we have chosen, but we need to respond to maintain a level playing field" between US businesses and Canadian ones, Champagne said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

We were all pretty relieved when she turned to look out over the playing field again.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• arena
• turf