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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- minefields
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
See all rhymes for minefield →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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