infield
UK: ˈɪnfiːld | US: ˈɪnfiːld
n. 1. The inner part of a cricket or baseball field, enclosed by the bases or wickets.
n. 2. The players positioned in this area (e.g., infielders in baseball).
adj. Relating to or situated in the infield.
The word "infield" combines the Old English prefix "in-" (meaning "inside" or "within") with "field," derived from Old English "feld" (open land or cleared ground). Originally used in agriculture to denote enclosed or cultivated land, it was later adopted in sports (18th–19th century) to describe the central playing area in games like cricket and baseball. The logic reflects spatial division—contrasting with the "outfield" (outer area).
The shortstop covers a large portion of the infield.
Rain turned the infield into a muddy mess.
In cricket, the infield is crucial for close-catching positions.
The coach emphasized infield drills during practice.
The ball rolled slowly through the infield, allowing a base hit.