playing-field

The children run across the playing-field during their game.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of ground used for outdoor games or sports: "playing-field" refers to a designated area, often marked out with boundaries, where sports such as football, rugby, hockey, or cricket are played. It is typically a flat, grassy surface, but may also refer to any similar area for recreational sports.

Usage Examples

• (The designated grassy area for the sport.)
• (The outdoor sports ground was improved.)

Advanced Usage

• "a level playing-field": a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities or advantages; fairness and equality in competition.

  • The new regulations aim to create a level playing-field for all businesses. (To ensure fair competition without unfair advantages.)

• "on the playing-field": in the context of sports or competition, often used metaphorically.

  • On the playing-field of politics, every candidate must be prepared for tough challenges. (In the competitive arena of politics.)

Variants and Related Words

• Playing-field (n): no common variants, but note the hyphenated form is standard in British English; "playfield" (without hyphen) is less common but sometimes used.
• Sports field (n): a synonym for playing-field, especially for formal sports.
  • The sports field was flooded after heavy rain. (The playing-field was waterlogged.)

Synonyms

• Sports ground: an area used for sports.
• Pitch: a specific term for a playing-field in games like football, rugby, or cricket (e.g., ).
• Field: a general term for an open area used for games (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• A level playing-field: as above, meaning fairness.
• Off the playing-field: outside of sports or competition; in everyday life.
  • His skills off the playing-field are just as impressive as his athletic abilities. (In non-sporting contexts.)

Phrasal Verbs

No common phrasal verbs directly use "playing-field," but note: - Play on: to continue playing on a field despite conditions. - The team decided to play on despite the muddy playing-field. (To continue the game.)

Additional Notes

• The term "playing-field" is often used metaphorically in business, politics, or law to describe any competitive environment where fairness is sought.
• In American English, "playing field" (without hyphen) is more common, but the meaning remains the same.