afield

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈfēld 

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

• amiss
• astray
• awry
• wrong

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

But just as many come from far afield of what may be thought of as the Wild West — New York and Oregon, for example, or even internationally. —Ryan P. C. Trimble, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

Further afield: next-gen aviation and electric helicopters Bastian spotlighted a deeper integration with Airbus, as both Delta and the aircraft manufacturer work to advance next-generation aviation technologies that are more sustainable and cost-effective. —Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025

Further afield, Newcastle Racecourse has repeatedly been claimed as a potential site, given the Reuben family owns it. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

While some of the nominees fall far afield from the norms—Hegseth, Gabbard, and RFK Jr. are the marquee names in that cohort, for sure—the bulk will face only nominal opposition from Democrats. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

afield

adverb

ə-ˈfēld 

1

: to, in, or on the field

2

: away from home

3

: out of a regular, planned, or proper course : astray