center field
12
3.0
- noun
- /ˈsɛntər fiːld/
- US
:
jardín central
- I play center field for the Dodgers.
- play center field
- deep center field
- center field fence
Examples
-
I don't agree with that either, as he is a natural for center field.
Blog text (27) -
The ball's hit to center field!
-
-I thought I was playing centre field.
-
"Long" fly ball in deep center field!
Academic text (1998) -
In my view, he would be better off in left or right field rather than center field.
Blog text (27) -
He played center field for us.
-
Right about now, Austin Jackson looks pretty playing center field for the Tigers.
Blog text (9) -
Both play center field and combine speed, on-base skills, and power with strong defense.
Blog text (6) -
The kids are playing great ball, and with Santorelli in center field, we can't be beat.
-
During the game, the player in center field made an incredible catch to prevent a home run.
Synonyms
191
3.2
A player who plays in the middle of the court or field
36
3.0
A player who stands in the outer part of the field and catches long hits
34
3.7
The outer grass area of a baseball or cricket field far from where players hit the ball
11
3.0
A player who stands in the middle of the outfield and catches balls hit there
3
4.4
The central area of the baseball outfield or the player who defends it
2
5.1
A player in baseball or softball who defends the middle of the outfield
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'the central area of the outfield' is directly and compositionally derived from 'center' (middle) + 'field' (playing ground); the spatial/locational logic is transparent and follows normal English noun compounding. A B1 learner who knows both constituents and has basic knowledge of sports contexts can readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Center field also means the position of the player who stands in that middle area. Because the player covers the center of the field, the phrase means the outfielder's spot or job on the team.