how did we get so far afield from the subject we intended to discuss?
Recent Examples on the WebBut for the 2025 holidays, one local band will be going farther afield.—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 With Russian economy far from collapse, U.S. opts for tougher punishment
Russia has reached out much further afield to boost its ranks.—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for afield
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'afield.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English afelde, going back to Old English on felda, on felde, from onon entry 1 + felda, felde, dative of feldfield entry 1
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of afield was
before the 12th century
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