broken field


Origin of broken field

1
An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Words Nearby broken field

Other definitions for broken-field (2 of 2)

broken-field
[ broh-kuhn-feeld ]

adjectiveFootball.
  1. performed, as by a ball-carrier, in a wide-open area covered by few defensive players, as opposed to the heavily trafficked area near the line of scrimmage.

Origin of broken-field

2
An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use broken field in a sentence

  • The trees seemed of a strange shape, and strange were the stunted thorns dotted about the broken field in which he stood.

    The Secret Glory | Arthur Machen
  • And on that side, that broken field, those long pieces of ice more or less joined at their edges?

  • Eventually we crossed this broken field, reaching the edge of the gravel slope, where we were very glad indeed to rest.

  • He had made a run of ninety yards through a broken field in the last minute of play.

  • The left half, Cox, was a broken-field runner of renown as well as Claflin's best goal-kicker.

    Left Guard Gilbert | Ralph Henry Barbour