Meaning & use
infield
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Meaning
nounsingular
In baseball and softball, the square area on the field marked by the four bases, or the players who defend that area.
Grammar: Usually used with 'the': the infield. It is a singular noun and takes a singular verb when referring to the area; when referring to the players as a group, it can take a plural verb in British English but usually singular in American English.
Patterns
- the infield
- in the infield
- an infield hit
The ball rolled across the infield and stopped near second base.
He plays in the infield, usually at shortstop.
The infield dirt was wet from the rain, making it hard to run.
Word forms
| plural | infields |
|---|
Common combinations
- infield hit
- The speedy runner beat the throw for an infield hit.
- infield fly
- The umpire called an infield fly, so the batter was out.
- infield dirt
- The ground crew raked the infield dirt before the game.
- infield position
- Second base is an important infield position.
Synonyms and how they differ
- diamond
- The diamond is the whole playing field, including the outfield, while the infield is only the square area around the bases.
Opposites
Word family
- infielder noun
- A player who defends the infield.
Commonly confused: infield or outfield?
infield vs outfield
The outfield is the grassy area beyond the infield; don't mix them up.
Practice
In baseball, where does the shortstop play?
Choose one answer.
The shortstop is an infielder, so he plays in the infield. The outfield is the grassy area beyond the bases; the pitcher's mound and home plate are specific spots, not the general area.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “infield”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.