noun Uncommon

midfield

MIHD-feeld

Midfield (noun) means In football and similar sports, the central area of the pitch, and the players who operate there between defence and attack. Example: “Their midfield dominated possession for most of the match.”

noun

In football and similar sports, the central area of the pitch, and the players who operate there between defence and attack.

"Their midfield dominated possession for most of the match."

"He plays in central midfield, linking defence and attack."

How to use midfield

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe middle section of a football pitch, or the group of players who play there.

Common pairings

central midfield midfield general control the midfield

Word forms

midfields plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Their _____ dominated possession for most of the match.

Etymology

A compound of "mid-" (middle) and "field," describing the central zone of a sports pitch.

Synonyms

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middle third

Rhymes for midfield

field wield yield shield afield Ifield infield Garfield outfield airfield Warfield Mayfield

See all rhymes for midfield →

Frequently asked questions

What does “midfield” mean?

The word “midfield” means in football and similar sports, the central area of the pitch, and the players who operate there between defence and attack. In plain terms, the middle section of a football pitch, or the group of players who play there.

How do you pronounce “midfield”?

“Midfield” is pronounced MIHD-feeld (/ˈmɪd.fiːld/ in IPA).

How do you use “midfield” in a sentence?

Here is “midfield” used in a sentence: “Their midfield dominated possession for most of the match.”

What part of speech is “midfield”?

“Midfield” is a noun.

Is “midfield” a common word?

“Midfield” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between midfield and midfielder?

"Midfield" refers to the central area of the pitch between defence and attack, while "midfielder" refers to the individual player who operates in that zone. Midfield describes the space or unit; midfielder describes the person.

What positions are considered part of midfield?

Midfield positions typically include central, defensive, and attacking midfielders, all of whom link a team's defence to its attack. The exact roles vary depending on a team's formation and tactics.

Is "midfield" used in sports other than football?

"Midfield" is most closely associated with football and similar sports played on a pitch divided into defensive, midfield, and attacking zones, such as field hockey or rugby.