What does outfielder mean?
An outfielder is a player in a team sport who plays in the outfield, typically covering the grassy area beyond the infield. This position is common in sports such as baseball and softball, where the outfielder's primary responsibility is to catch and throw the ball to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Outfielders often require strong throwing and catching skills, as well as good judgment and reaction time. In addition to their defensive responsibilities, outfielders may also be expected to contribute to the team's offense by hitting and scoring runs. Overall, the outfielder is a crucial position in many team sports, requiring a combination of physical skill, strategy, and teamwork.
noun
A player in a team sport, such as baseball or softball, who plays in the outfield, typically covering the grassy area beyond the infield.
- 1. A player in a team sport who plays in the outfield, typically covering the grassy area beyond the infield.
"The outfielder made a spectacular catch to end the game."
"The outfielder made a spectacular catch to end the game."
"The team's outfielder was instrumental in their victory, making several key plays in the game."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of outfielder
The word 'outfielder' is derived from the words 'outfield' and 'player'. The term 'outfield' refers to the grassy area beyond the infield in a team sport, while 'player' refers to a person who participates in the sport. The term 'outfielder' has been in use since the late 19th century, when baseball and other team sports became popular in the United States.
Usage notes
The term 'outfielder' is commonly used in sports such as baseball and softball, where the position is a crucial part of the game. In other sports, such as cricket and lacrosse, the term 'outfielder' may be used to refer to a player who plays in a similar position. The term 'outfielder' is often used in a formal or technical sense, but it may also be used in informal conversation to refer to a player who plays in the outfield.