noun Uncommon

midfielder

MID-feel-der

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Midfielder (noun) means In sport, a player positioned in the central band of the pitch, linking defence and attack. Example: “The midfielder threaded a pass through to the striker.”

noun

In sport, a player positioned in the central band of the pitch, linking defence and attack.

"The midfielder threaded a pass through to the striker."

"She played as a defensive midfielder, breaking up attacks before they reached the back line."

"Two midfielders controlled the tempo of the match from the centre of the pitch."

How to use midfielder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA player positioned in the middle of the field, between the defenders and the attackers.

When to use it

It is a standard sporting term used in both casual and formal match commentary.

Memory tip

Picture the pitch in three bands, defence, midfield and attack, and a midfielder works in the middle band.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

central midfielder defensive midfielder attacking midfielder holding midfielder

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “midfielder” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ threaded a pass through to the striker.

Etymology

The word is formed from midfield with the agent suffix -er added, giving a term for a player who works in that area of the pitch.

Origin: English

Rhymes for midfielder

elder welder fielder

See all rhymes for midfielder →

Frequently asked questions

What does a midfielder do?

A midfielder plays in the middle of the pitch, linking defence and attack and helping control the flow of the game.

What sport uses the term midfielder?

It is most associated with football, though the related term midfield is used in other team sports too.

Where does the word midfielder come from?

It comes from combining midfield with the suffix -er, which turns the area of the pitch into a term for the player who works there.

What is the meaning of midfielder?

"midfielder" (noun) means in sport, a player positioned in the central band of the pitch, linking defence and attack.