afield

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈfēld How to pronounce afield (audio)
Synonyms of afieldnext
1
: to, in, or on the field
was weak at bat but strong afield
2
: away from home : abroad
3
: out of the way : astray
irrelevant remarks that carried us far afield

Synonyms of afield

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Examples of afield in a Sentence

how did we get so far afield from the subject we intended to discuss?
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.
Meanwhile, stylist Lexie Polito, co-owner of the luxury loungewear brand Sunshine Society, falls a little farther afield. — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026 Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a two-hour trip from London and a number of ticket-holders expressed their disappointment online, alleging to have arrived from as far afield as Canada. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 29 July 2026 Further afield, fire clouds were observed during Australia's 2019-20 bushfires and in California's 2020 wildfire season. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 29 July 2026 Farther afield, the Farmhouse contains four one-bedroom apartments for staff and additional guests. — Mark David, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for afield

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afelde, going back to Old English on felda, on felde, from on on entry 1 + felda, felde, dative of feld field entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of afield was before the 12th century

Rhymes for afield

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Browse Nearby Words

aficionado
afield
a fight for one's life
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Cite this Entry

“Afield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afield. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afield

adverb
ə-ˈfēld How to pronounce afield (audio)
1
: to, in, or on the field
2
: away from home
3
: out of a regular, planned, or proper course : astray
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