field day

noun

1. a day devoted to outdoor sports or athletic contests, as at a school.
2. an outdoor gathering; outing; picnic.
3. a day for military exercises and display.
4. an occasion or opportunity for unrestricted activity, amusement, etc.:

   The children had a field day with their new skateboards.

field day

noun

1. a day spent in some special outdoor activity, such as nature study or sport
2. a day-long competition between amateur radio operators using battery or generator power, the aim being to make the most contacts with other operators around the world
3. military a day devoted to manoeuvres or exercises, esp before an audience
4. informal.
   a day or time of exciting or successful activity

   the children had a field day with their new toys

5. 1. a day or series of days devoted to the demonstration of farm machinery in country centres
   2. a combined open day and sale on a stud property

Word History and Origins

Origin of field day¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Idioms and Phrases

A time of great pleasure, activity, or opportunity, as in The press had a field day with this sensational murder trial . This colloquial expression, dating from the 1700s, originally referred to a day set aside for military maneuvers and exercises, and later was extended to a similar day for sports and games. Since the early 1800s it has been used more loosely.

Example Sentences

Britain's tabloids still had a field day, of course.

From BBC

The high-tech field day comes at a moment when Californians are strongly reconsidering their relationship with traditional herbicides and pesticides.

From Los Angeles Times

The visit by Mr. Vilsack to the Sherrod Institute’s annual “field day” in Albany, Ga., was part of an intensifying effort by Mr. Biden’s top aides to court them ahead of the election.

From New York Times

Late-night comedians had a field day with that verdict and the circumstances leading up to it.

From Salon

Toronto’s rabid fan base and scrutinizing hockey media is having a field day with Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe admitting this past week he’s still unsure which players he can turn to late in games.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• anniversary
• commemoration
• competition
• fair
• feast
• gala
• holiday