WordGarden.iomidfield
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɪdfiːld/
US
- /mˈɪdfiːld/
Meanings
Noun
the central area of the playing field in sports such as soccer
the players or playing position in the central area of the field
Beyond the definition
Imagine a soccer or football field: the midfield is the central part of play, between the defenders and the attackers. This is the area where players try to control the game, win the ball, pass it forward, and link defense with attack. When people talk about strength in the midfield, they usually mean skill, movement, and control in that middle area.
The word is used mostly in sports. In some cases, people also use it more loosely for a middle position in a contest or organized situation, but that is less common than the sports meaning.
The word "midfield" is mainly used in sports such as soccer, football, and rugby. It refers to the middle area of the field, especially the part where play moves between defense and attack. This is often the busiest part of the game, because teams fight for possession there, build passes, slow the other side down, and start new attacks. When a commentator says a team is "winning the midfield," they mean the team is controlling that central area.
The word can also point more generally to the group of players or style of play connected with that part of the field. For example, a team may have a strong midfield if its central players pass well, move well, and help both in defense and in attack.
Outside sports, people sometimes use "midfield" in a loose or figurative way for a middle position, but that use is much less common. In normal English, the word is strongly tied to games played on a field, so that should remain the main idea.
Examples
- 1
Player position
She usually plays in midfield for the national team.
- 2
Team unit
The coach brought on a fresh player to strengthen the midfield.
- 3
Match action
He won the ball in midfield and started the attack.
See also
Similar
- middle of the field
- center of the pitch
Shades of meaning
- middle third
- central midfield
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in midfield
- control midfield
- midfield battle
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- midfieldnoun