flying field: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “flying field” mean?
An area of land, often grass-covered, used for the take-off and landing of light aircraft, especially in the early 20th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An area of land, often grass-covered, used for the take-off and landing of light aircraft, especially in the early 20th century.
A simple airport or airstrip, often for recreational or small private aircraft, lacking extensive terminal facilities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely to be found in American English, particularly in historical contexts related to barnstorming or early aviation clubs. In the UK, 'airfield' or 'grass airstrip' are more common contemporary terms.
Connotations
US: Evokes a nostalgic, pioneering, or recreational image of aviation. UK: May sound slightly archaic or American.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary British English. In American English, it is uncommon but recognized, often found in historical texts or names of old facilities.
Grammar
How to Use “flying field” in a Sentence
at the flying fieldland at the flying fieldoperate a flying fieldVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying field” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The flying-field operations were suspended due to fog.
American English
- He secured flying-field permission from the local authorities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely; refers to property or facilities for small aviation businesses.
Academic
Used in historical studies of aviation.
Everyday
Rare; might be used by aviation enthusiasts or in rural areas with such a facility.
Technical
Used in aviation circles, particularly for small, non-towered, general aviation locations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying field”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying field”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying field”
- Using 'flying field' to refer to a major commercial airport.
- Confusing it with 'airfield' (more modern/standard term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A flying field is typically much simpler, smaller, and lacks the passenger terminals and control towers of a modern airport.
It is rare in contemporary usage. Terms like 'airfield', 'airstrip', or 'general aviation airport' are more common for similar facilities.
Primarily light aircraft, such as small single-engine planes, vintage aircraft, gliders, and sometimes agricultural planes.
It is acceptable in historical or technical contexts related to aviation. In most other formal contexts, a more standard term like 'airfield' is preferable.
An area of land, often grass-covered, used for the take-off and landing of light aircraft, especially in the early 20th century.
Flying field: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈfiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈfiːld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine early pilots 'flying' over a green 'field' where they take off and land.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRPORT IS A FIELD (emphasising its simplicity and natural surface).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a 'flying field'?