left field

noun

1
: the position of the player defending left field
2
: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from the plate
3
a
: a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion)
they were really out in left field with that idea
b
: a source of the unexpected or illogical
that question came out of left field
left fielder noun

Examples of left field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Slotting Verdugo in left field while moving Reynolds over to right would provide the best defensive coverage for the Pirates around Cruz in center. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 Playing mostly in left field, Carty compiled a .330 batting average, second in the majors after the future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, and hit 22 home runs. Victor Mather, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024 And his 11 outs above average ranked fourth among AL outfielders, leading to his nomination as a finalist for the Gold Glove Award in left field. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Nov. 2024 Her husband was in left field; her brother-in-law was also on the team. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for left field 

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of left field was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near left field

Cite this Entry

“Left field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left%20field. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

left field

noun
1
: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from home plate
2
: the position of the player defending left field
left fielder noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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