Infield: meaning, definitions and examples

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infield

 

[ ˈɪnˌfiːld ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sports field

In baseball, the infield refers to the area of the field that is bounded by the four bases: first base, second base, third base, and home plate. This area is typically where most of the action occurs during a game, and players in the infield are tasked with fielding ground balls and making plays to get runners out. The infield is often composed of the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman. In cricket, the term infield can also refer to the players positioned closer to the pitch, providing strategic coverage.

Synonyms

diamond, field

Examples of usage

  • The ball was hit into the infield for a routine out.
  • He plays shortstop, which is a critical infield position.
  • The infield dirt was freshly raked before the game.

Translations

Translations of the word "infield" in other languages:

🇵🇹 campo interno

🇮🇳 इनफील्ड

🇩🇪 Infield

🇮🇩 infield

🇺🇦 інфілд

🇵🇱 infield

🇯🇵 インフィールド

🇫🇷 infield

🇪🇸 infield

🇹🇷 infield

🇰🇷 인필드

🇸🇦 الملعب الداخلي

🇨🇿 infield

🇸🇰 infield

🇨🇳 内场

🇸🇮 infield

🇮🇸 infield

🇰🇿 инфилд

🇬🇪 ინფილდ

🇦🇿 infield

🇲🇽 infield

Etymology

The term 'infield' originated in the sport of baseball, with its earliest recorded use tracing back to the mid-19th century. It combines the prefix 'in-', suggesting something within or central, with 'field', which denotes a space or area used for play. As baseball evolved, the infield became crucial for gameplay, responsible for most defensive plays. The construction of the term reflects the game's strategic layout, where the infield is surrounded by the outfield, indicating the arrangement of players and the zone of activity. Over the years, the term has expanded into other sports, such as cricket, where the concept of an infield adapted to the unique requirements of the game, underscoring the term's versatility and enduring relevance in the lexicon of sports.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,890, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.