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noun C2 Proficient

minefield

MYN-feeld

Minefield (noun) means an area of ground or water seeded with hidden explosive mines. Example: “The retreating army left a minefield along the border.”

noun
1
An area of ground or water seeded with hidden explosive mines.
"The retreating army left a minefield along the border."
2
A situation full of hidden risks, pitfalls, or complications.
"Talking about salaries at work can be a real minefield."
"Planning a wedding with two big families is a political minefield."

How to use minefield

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally a field planted with explosives, or figuratively any situation loaded with hidden dangers.

Common pairings
a legal minefield a political minefield navigate a minefield clear a minefield

Word forms

minefields plural

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The retreating army left a _____ along the border.

Etymology

A compound of "mine" (explosive device) and "field," originally military terminology for ground seeded with landmines.

Rhymes for minefield

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Frequently asked questions

What does “minefield” mean?

The word “minefield” means an area of ground or water seeded with hidden explosive mines. In plain terms, literally a field planted with explosives, or figuratively any situation loaded with hidden dangers.

How do you pronounce “minefield”?

“Minefield” is pronounced MYN-feeld (/ˈmaɪnˌfild/ in IPA).

How do you use “minefield” in a sentence?

Here is “minefield” used in a sentence: “The retreating army left a minefield along the border.”

What part of speech is “minefield”?

“Minefield” is a noun.

How many meanings does “minefield” have?

“Minefield” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an area of ground or water seeded with hidden explosive mines.

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